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227-0654-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-PHYS , D-MAVT , D-ITET

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Carbon-based Nanoelectronics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mickaël Perrin, Dr. Gabriela Borin Barin

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:48

Abstract

This course explores the exciting realm of carbon-based nanoelectronics, where the remarkable quantum properties of materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoribbons, and single molecules are used for building electronic devices.

Objective

The objective of this course is to understand how the electronic properties of carbon-based materials can be exploited for fabricating quantum devices. We will delve into both the theoretical and experimental aspects, discussing how these materials' unique properties can be translated into device functionality. On the theoretical side, we'll cover how the chemical structure of the material and its dimensionality, ranging from 0D to 2D, affects the electronic properties. We'll also discuss how charge carriers flow through the devices and what charge transport mechanisms are at play. On the experimental side, we'll cover how such devices are fabricated, including how the materials are synthesized. We'll also discuss how to characterize the devices and assess their performance.

Content

The course will cover the following carbon-based materials: - Single-molecule - Graphene (single layer, bilayer, twisted bilayer) - Graphene nanoribbons - Carbon nanotubes For each material, we will discuss: - Electronic structure and charge transport properties - Material synthesis and characterization - Device integration and characterization The course also includes a presentation by each student in which a related scientific publication is discussed. This presentation is compulsory and accounts for 30% of the grade.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides are distributed every week. In addition, relevant scientific articles and book chapters will be provided for self-study.

Literature

In addition to the slides, the following supplementary books can be recommended: 1. "Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems", S. Datta, Cambridge University Press (1997) 2. "Semiconductor Nanostructures, Quantum States and Electronic Transport", T. Ihn, Oxford University Press (2010)

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

The project presentation counts for 30% of the final grade.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Carbon-based Nanoelectronics	Thu 10:15-12:00 (CAB G 59)	2 h weekly
exercise	Carbon-based Nanoelectronics	Fri 13:15-14:00 (ETZ G 91)	1 h weekly
independent project	Carbon-based Nanoelectronics	No time listed	1 h weekly

Offered In

Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
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 (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies (also see sub-categories for details) More Information at )
- Subject Specialisation (The courses on offer below are only a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)
Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)