MSE 771:
The Materials Science of Nanoelectronics
Instructors: J.J.Hren (jhren@ncsu.edu) & L Reynolds (lew.reynolds@ncsu.edu)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in MSE, CHE, ECE, TX, PHYS or CHEM
Learning outcomes: Students completing this course should be able to:
• Critically review, orally present and discuss relevant research papers on the Materials
Science of Nanoelectronics
• Author, submit and defend a competitive research proposal on /phenomena relevant
to the nanoelectonic properties of any material
Textbooks: None required. Reading materials will be assigned from current literature
at a level commensurate with the qualifications of students. Supplemental reviews will
be assigned to cover topics lacking in individual student backgrounds.
Course overview
Directed towards students with interests in the fabrication, characterization, and
properties of all nanometer scale materials, with an emphasis on potential electronic
applications. Graduate students from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to enroll.
The driving force for Moore’s law and the philosophy of Feynman’s vision of
nanotechnology will be examined initially. The history, current status, and plans for
the nanoelectronics industry will be summarized using guest lecturers from the
Semiconductor Research Corporation. A spectrum of fabrication techniques for
nanoscale structures, ranging from lithography to self-assembly, will be described and
critically evaluated. Methods will be discussed for materials evaluation & device
characterization, varying from the routine to those requiring atomic resolution. A
variety of potential applications ( e.g. sensors, novel materials, biological & medical
applications, etc.) beyond conventional devices will be also explored.
Materials
properties are known to vary dramatically &, sometimes unpredictably at nanoscale
dimensions, since the structure & nature of surface properties, impurities/ & dopants
often dominate. Atomic structures varying from crystalline to amorphous, including
polymers and biomolecules, will be also explored.
Novel device structures (e.g.
multilayered films, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, etc…) and their methods of
fabrication will also be studied. Since the field nanoelectronics is constantly advancing,
topics from current scientific literature will be the primary sources for reading, class
discussion, & for student presentations. Selected faculty and visiting experts in relevant
research areas will be also called upon to make presentations and lead discussions.
Student questions and comments are especially solicited. Class attendance & active
participation are vital &.students will be required to author, present orally, and defend
individual research proposals. Grades will be determined by the quality of student
participation, attendance, and presentations. Research proposals will serve as the final
examination..