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227-0159-00L 6 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-ITET
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Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mathieu Luisier, PD Dr. Alexandros Emboras, Dr. Jiang Cao
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:18

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)

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