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151-0605-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL

Nanosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Andreas Stemmer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:32

Abstract

From atoms to molecules to condensed matter: characteristic properties of simple nanosystems and how they evolve when moving towards complex ensembles.Intermolecular forces, their macroscopic manifestations, and ways to control such interactions.Self-assembly and directed assembly of 2D and 3D structures.Special emphasis on the emerging field of molecular electronic devices.

Objective

Familiarize students with basic science and engineering principles governing the nano domain.

Content

The course addresses basic science and engineering principles ruling the nano domain. We particularly work out the links between topics that are traditionally taught separately. Familiarity with basic concepts of quantum mechanics is expected. Special emphasis is placed on the emerging field of molecular electronic devices, their working principles, applications, and how they may be assembled. Topics are treated in 2 blocks: (I) From Quantum to Continuum From atoms to molecules to condensed matter: characteristic properties of simple nanosystems and how they evolve when moving towards complex ensembles. (II) Interaction Forces on the Micro and Nano Scale Intermolecular forces, their macroscopic manifestations, and ways to control such interactions. Self-assembly and directed assembly of 2D and 3D structures.

Resources

Literature

- Kuhn, Hans; Försterling, H.D.: Principles of Physical Chemistry. Understanding Molecules, Molecular Assemblies, Supramolecular Machines. 1999, Wiley, ISBN: 0-471-95902-2 - Chen, Gang: Nanoscale Energy Transport and Conversion. 2005, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 978-0-19-515942-4 - Ouisse, Thierry: Electron Transport in Nanostructures and Mesoscopic Devices. 2008, Wiley, ISBN: 978-1-84821-050-9 - Wolf, Edward L.: Nanophysics and Nanotechnology. 2004, Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 3-527-40407-4 - Israelachvili, Jacob N.: Intermolecular and Surface Forces. 2nd ed., 1992, Academic Press,ISBN: 0-12-375181-0 - Evans, D.F.; Wennerstrom, H.: The Colloidal Domain. Where Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Technology Meet. Advances in Interfacial Engineering Series. 2nd ed., 1999, Wiley, ISBN: 0-471-24247-0 - Hunter, Robert J.: Foundations of Colloid Science. 2nd ed., 2001, Oxford, ISBN: 0-19-850502-7

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
This course will be offered for the last time in the Autumn Semester 2023. The examination can be taken/repeated for the last time in the Summer Session 2024.Compulsory continuous performance assessment: Mini-ReviewEach student expands the topic of an assigned paper into a Mini-Review that illuminates the field beyond the specific results reported in the paper. Mini-Reviews will be presented orally in class and graded.Papers are assigned in class typically between the 4th and 10th week of the semester.1 Task:4 weeks after assignment of paper: Presentation of the Mini-Review in class.The presentation consists of a 20-minutes talk, followed by 10-minutes questions and answers. The grade of the presentation counts 50% towards the final course grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Nanosystems
This course will be offered for the last time in Autumn Semester 2023. Lecture: Thursday 10-13 Exercises: will take place in the laboratories.
  • Thu 10:15-13:00 (ML F 40)
4 h weekly

Offered In