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227-0159-00L 6 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS

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Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mathieu Luisier, PD Dr. Alexandros Emboras

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:30

Abstract

This class offers an introduction into quantum transport theory, a rigorous approach to electron transport at the nanoscale. It covers different topics such as bandstructure, Wave Function and Non-equilibrium Green's Function formalisms, and electron interactions with their environment. Matlab exercises accompany the lectures where students learn how to develop their own transport simulator.

Objective

The continuous scaling of electronic devices has given rise to structures whose dimensions do not exceed a few atomic layers. At this size, electrons do not behave as particle any more, but as propagating waves and the classical representation of electron transport as the sum of drift-diffusion processes fails. The purpose of this class is to explore and understand the displacement of electrons through nanoscale device structures based on state-of-the-art quantum transport methods and to get familiar with the underlying equations by developing his own nanoelectronic device simulator.

Content

The following topics will be addressed: - Introduction to quantum transport modeling - Bandstructure representation and effective mass approximation - Open vs closed boundary conditions to the Schrödinger equation - Comparison of the Wave Function and Non-equilibrium Green's Function formalisms as solution to the Schrödinger equation - Self-consistent Schödinger-Poisson simulations - Quantum transport simulations of resonant tunneling diodes and quantum well nano-transistors - Top-of-the-barrier simulation approach to nano-transistor - Electron interactions with their environment (phonon, roughness, impurity,...) - Multi-band transport models

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides are distributed every week and can be found athttps://iis-students.ee.ethz.ch/lectures/quantum-transport-in-nanoscale-devices/

Literature

Recommended textbook: "Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems", Supriyo Datta, Cambridge Studies in Semiconductor Physics and Microelectronic Engineering, 1997

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Course Website

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Eine Bonus-Uebung wird angeboten. Die Schlussnote der Studierenden, die sie erfolgreich geloest haben, wird um 0.25 Punkte erhoeht. Auf Wunsch des Kandidaten kann die Prüfung auch auf Deutsch abgelegt werden.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale	Thu 08:15-10:00 (ETZ E 7)	2 h weekly
exercise	Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale	Thu 10:15-12:00 (ETZ E 7)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Advanced Core Courses
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics".)
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
Doctorate Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies (also see other categories for details) The courses on offer below are but a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
Quantum Engineering Master
- Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
  - Engineering Core Courses (These core courses target students with a physics background and all those who need additional engineering foundations.)