Spring, 2010
MSE 556
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
Time:
Th 7 – 9:45 PM Room JD 1552
Instructor: Dr. R. D. Conner
Dept. of Manufacturing System Engineering and Management
Office: JD3511, 818/677-4730
Office Hour: Wed. 6 – 6:45 PM, and as required
Email: rdconner@csun.edu
Website: http://www.csun.edu/~rdconner
Prerequisites: Instructor permission
Course Description: Introduction to nanotechnology and types nanomaterials that have
been synthesized for applications in nanotechnology (mechanics, electronics,
optoelectroics, energy and biomedical sciences). Illustration of the novel synthesis
methods of various nanomaterials.
Learning objectives: Students who successfully complete this course will have the
ability to:

Describe nanotechnology and its applications.

Define relationships between nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

Solve selected quantum mechanics problems.

Identify, describe and evaluate types of nanomaterials.

Identify, describe and evaluate types of nanostructures.
Methods of Students evaluation: Students will complete five assignments based on the
lecture topics during the term. Three will be written papers, and two will be
presentations. The topics of each are at the discretion of the student.
Textbook:
Textbook is at the discretion of the student. I will be using Nanoscale Science and
Technology by Robert Kelsall, et.al., Wiley Publishing, ISBN 0-470-85086-8,
and other texts as required.
Reference Books:
Nanotechnology: Basic Calculations for Engineers and Scientists, L. Theodore,
Wiley Publishing, 2006
Nanotechnology for Dummies, R. Booker & Earl Boysen (Don’t laugh – these
books are useful!)
Schaum’s Outlines Series, Modern Physics, R. Gautreau & William Savin
The Physics of Engineering Materials, D. Pollock, Prentice Hall, 1990
A. Goldstein, “Handbook of Nanophase Materials,” Marcel Dekker, 1997.
Topic Outline:
We will have several guest lecturers share their research with the class. Topics
include:
o Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS) for Biosensing
o Deformation and testing of nanostructures
o Flexible solar cell arrays
o Nanowire fabrication and testing
o Quantum dots in biological applications
Lectures on the relevant physics, processing, and applications of technology will be
given the week preceding the guest lectures. Topics of lectures will include
selected material from:
I. Introduction to nanotechnology
1. What is nanotechnology?
2. Nanotechnology, why now?
3. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
4. Nano vs. miniaturization
II. Introduction to quantum mechanics
5. Wave
6. Energy quantization
7. Wave function for hydrogen atoms
8. Quantum phenomena
III. Phenomena at nano-scale
9. Electrical transport at nano-scale
10. Nano-dimension magnetics
11. Nanomechanics and nanotribology
12. Nano-scale thermal transport and nanofluids
13. Chemistry at nano-scale
14. Nano-scale biology and medical science
IV. Nanomaterials systems
15. Metallic nanostructures
16. Polymer nanostructure
17. Nanocomposites
18. Ceramic nanostructures
V. Nanostructures
19. Quantum dots and quantum superlattices
20. Photonic crystals
21. Carbon based nanostructures
22. Nanobelts and nanowires
23. Self-assembled nanostructures
Teaching method:

Seminar, workshops, class lectures and discussions, and presentations given by
invited speakers (prominent experts from local industries).
Methods of Evaluation:
Grading: Course grade will be equally weighted on written assignments and
presentations. Papers will not exceed 5 pages, including references. Only
peer review references will be accepted. Good papers will be complete, well
thought out and organized, with a clear topic and supporting data. Graphs,
tables, figures, etc. are encouraged, but MUST include labels and captions.
Proper use of the English language, spelling, and grammar is mandatory.
Graduate level work means professional quality. Anything less will be
reflected in your grade.
Last day to drop without approval: Feb. 5, 2010
Tentative Course Calendar:
Date
Jan. 20
Jan. 27
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 17
Feb. 24
Mar. 3
Mar. 10
Mar. 17
Mar. 24
Mar. 31
Apr. 7
Topic
Introductory Lecture
Quantum Mechanics
David Henry – Si
nanotransistors &
nanoscale properties
Furlough Day
Quantum mechanics/1st
assignment due/Student
presentations
Quantum mechanics/
solar cells
MEMS and NEMS
Marina Leite – Flexible
solar cell arrays
Murali Ghatkesar NEMS/MEMS based
biosensing
Solid state physics /2nd
Assignment due/Student
presentations
Cesar Chavaz Day
Spring Break
Apr. 14
Apr. 21
Apr. 28
May. 5
May 12
Ali Ghaffari – quantum
dots in biological
applications/3rd
Assignment due/Student
presentations
Evaluation
Methods/Mechanics
Mechanics/Carbon
Nanotubes /4th
assignment due/Student
presentations
Shelby Hutchins –
nanodeformation
mechanics
5th Assignment due