227-0159-00L Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale
| Semester | Spring Semester 2021 |
| Lecturers | M. Luisier, A. Emboras |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 227-0159-00 V | Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale | 2 hrs |
| M. Luisier, A. Emboras | |||
| 227-0159-00 U | Semiconductor Devices: Quantum Transport at the Nanoscale | 2 hrs |
| M. Luisier, A. Emboras |
Catalogue data
| 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. |
| Learning 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 |
| Lecture notes | Lecture slides are distributed every week and can be found at https://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 |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Basic knowledge of semiconductor device physics and quantum mechanics |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 6 credits |
| Examiners | M. Luisier, A. Emboras |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | oral 30 minutes |
| Additional information on mode of examination | 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. |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| Main link | Course Website |
| Only public learning materials are listed. | |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
