Advanced Physics of Materials, MSE 451 (Fall 2005)
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

This course will cover advanced topics in solid state physics including band structure, electron dynamics and conduction, semiconductors, optical properties, dielectric properties, ferroelectrics, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, magnetic ordering, and superconductivity....

Carbon Nanotubes
Submitted on 01-NOV-06
Contributed by Meyya Meyyappan

A carbon nanotube can be used as a tip in an atomic force microscope (AFM). Such a tip in an AFM can be used to create nanoscale patterns i.e. nanolithograpghy or to etch material away from a surface in the fabrication of semiconductor chips(i.e. the tip acts like a " nanotweezer " to remove atoms from the surface)....

Dynamic Optical Magnetism Unit
Submitted on 05-JUL-07
Contributed by Stephen Rand

This is a seminar on the first experimental results showing intense magnetic response generated in dielectric (insulating - non-metallic) media by exposure to light. This previously unknown kind of interaction will provide new optical methods of probing magnetic structure and response at the nano scale, by inducing large magnetic moments directly in atoms or molecules....

Electronic Transport in Seminconductors, ECE 656 (Fall 2005)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Mark Lundstrom

The objective of the course is to develop a clear, physical understanding of charge carrier transport in bulk semiconductors and in small semiconductor devices.The emphasis is on transport physics and its consequences in a device context. The course does not focus on theory or computer simulation; it is a practical course for those interested in devices....

Fundamentals of Nanoelectronics, ECE 453 (Fall 2005)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Supriyo Datta

The development of "nanotechnology" has made it possible to engineer material and devices on a length scale as small as several nanometers (atomic distances are ~ 0.1 nm). The properties of such "nanostructures" cannot be described in terms of macroscopic parameters like mobility or diffusion coefficient and a microscopic or atomistic viewpoint is called for. The purpose of this course is to convey the conceptual framework that underlies this microscopic viewpoint using examples related to the e...

Introduction to Complex Polymers: Polyelectrolytes and Copolymers
Submitted on 24-SEP-08
Contributed by Monica Olvera de la Cruz

This module provides a brief introductory overview of polymer physics and some theoretical study of polyelectrolytes and copolymers. Some homework and their answers are provided to help students understand basic statistical mechanics. The following topics will be emphasized: 1) General polymer physics; 2)Thermodynamic properties of biological polyelectrolytes and biological complexes; 3) Self-consistent Mean Field Theory (SCFT) calculations and molecular simulations of copolymers; Some calculat...

Introduction to Nanometer Scale Science and Technology Unit
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

This module provides an introductory overview for non-experts of the emerging field of nanometer scale science and technology....

Introduction to Nanotechnology
Submitted on 01-NOV-06
Contributed by Meyya Meyyappan

Nanotechnology deals with creation of USEFUL/FUNCTIONAL materials, devices, systems, etc. through the control of matter at the nanometer length scale, say 1-100 nm at least in one principal direction. The terms 'useful and functional' are deliberately added here to the definition by the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and emphasized to distinguish from the science fiction scenarios popularized by novels and press articles......

Introduction to Scanning Probe Microscopy Unit, Topic: Atomic Force Microscopy & Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Lincoln Lauhon

This module will familiarize students with cutting-edge surface analysis techniques that are important in academic and industrial settings. The focus of the module is on scanned probed techniques that probe the nanoscale electrical and mechanical properties of surfaces, including scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Principles of nanoscale imaging and modes of operation of scanning probe microscopy will be reviewed. ...

Introductory Physics of Materials, MSE 351-1 (Winter 2005)
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

Introduction to quantum mechanics and solid state physics. Specific topics include free electron behavior, potential energy wells and barriers, bonding, energy band theory, and electrical properties of metals and semiconductors....

Junior Research Seminar: Nanoscale Patterning and Systems, (Spring 2004)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Teri Odom

This research course, for students of Junior standing, enabled students to design and perform nanoscale patterning experiments using scanning probe lithography and bench-top fabrication techniques....

Nanomaterials, MSE 376 (Spring 2005)
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

Materials Science and Engineering 376, Nanomaterials, is an interdisciplinary introduction to processing, structure, and properties of materials at the nanometer length scale. The course will cover recent breakthroughs and assess the impact of this burgeoning field. Specific nanofabrication topics include epitaxy, beam lithographies, selfassembly, biocatalytic synthesis, atom optics, and scanning probe lithography. The unique sizedependent properties (mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical, elec...

Nanomaterials, MSE 376-0 (Spring 2004)
Submitted on 02-MAY-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

Materials Science and Engineering 376, "Nanomaterials," is an interdisciplinary introduction to processing, structure, and properties of materials at the nanometer length scale. The course will cover recent breakthroughs and assess the impact of this burgeoning field. Specific nanofabrication topics include epitaxy, beam lithographies, selfassembly, biocatalytic synthesis, atom optics, and scanning probe lithography. The unique sizedependent properties (mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical, el...

Nanophotonics, 495S (Fall 2005)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Vladimir Shalaev

The course will cover nanoscale processes and devices and their applications for manipulating light on the nanoscale. The following topics will be covered: 1) Fundamentals, Maxwell's equations, light-matter interaction, dispersion, EM properties of nanostructures, etc. 2)Photonic crystals 3)Photonic crystal fibers 4)Photonic nanocircuits 5)Metal optics 6)Manipulating light with plasmonic nanostructures 7)Plasmonic nano-sensors 8)Near-field optics 9)Negative refractive index and super-resolution...

Nanoscale Patterning: Top-down meets Bottom-up, CHEMISTRY 250-1 & 250-2
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Teri Odom

CHEM 250-1 is an introduction to nanoscale science and technology with an emphasis on nanofabrication, chemical synthesis, and simple devices. The lab component involves training on scanning probe and electron microscopes and bench-top nanoscale patterning experiments. CHEM 250-2 is a continuation of Chem 250-1 and is research-based course with an emphasis on designing a research project in nanopatterning using skills acquired in Chem 250-1....

Nanothermodynamics for Sophomore Thermodynamics Course Unit
Submitted on 03-SEP-08
Contributed by Tom Mason

This unit introduces the nanoscale and why nanoscale objects are important. There is a treatment of size, from the macroscale through the microscale to the nanoscale. There is also a development of surface area-to-volume ratio, as related to the subject of surface thermodynamics. The subject of surface tension/surface energy is introduced. The Gibbs-Thompson equation is developed relating free energy to particle curvature (size). Specific applications are made to the coarsening of small partic...

Physics 110-6 Freshman Seminar: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Submitted on 25-OCT-07
Contributed by Venkat Chandrasekhar

This course will start with a background description of the scientific basis of nanotechnology and go on to explore the impact of nanoscience on technology. The course will focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology techniques and the possibilities for the future that they represent; in particular, we will emphasize separating the possible from science fiction. The course will include guest lectures by faculty active in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Course evaluations will be based on a number of...

Physics 358-0 Nanolithography
Submitted on 25-OCT-07
Contributed by Venkat Chandrasekhar

This is a quarter course that is designed to teach fabrication of devices using electron-beam lithography. The topics that we will cover in the course are: overview of lithography, principles and operation of SEM: lab portion: alignment and imaging using a SEM, techniques of electron beam lithography: electron-beam resists, things that can be done with electron-beam lithography. lab portion: spinning and coating resists......

Physics of Solids, MSE 405 (Fall 2006)
Submitted on 21-DEC-06
Contributed by Mark Hersam

Introduction to quantum mechanics and solid state physics. Specific topics include free electron behavior, potential energy wells and barriers, energy band theory, phonons, and electrical properties of metals and emiconductors. This course develops many concepts of fundamental interest to nanoscale science and engineering such as quantum confinement and reduced dimensionality effects in nanomaterials....

Quantum Phenomena: Atom to Transistor, ECE 659 (Spring 2005)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Supriyo Datta

The development of "nanotechnology" has made it possible to engineer materials and devices on a length scale as small as several nanometers (atomic distances are ~ 0.1 nm). The properties of such "nanostructures" cannot be described in terms of macroscopic parameters like mobility and diffusion coefficient and a microscopic or atomistic viewpoint is called for. The purpose of this course is to convey the conceptual framework that underlies this microscopic theory of matter which developed in cou...

Science and Technology at the Nanoscale, CHEM 445 (Spring 2004)
Submitted on 30-JUN-06
Contributed by Teri Odom

This course is designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Students will have opportunities to learn why nanoscience is important and interesting, to be trained on advanced instrumentation (NSOM, STM, AFM, SEM), and to participate in some of the business aspects of these emerging nanotechnologies. ...

Unconventional Patterning at the Nanoscale
Submitted on 23-FEB-07
Contributed by Teri Odom, Meenakshi Viswanathan, Yelizaveta Babayan

The ability to generate nanoscale structures is central to modern science and technology. The experiments described in this site provide the first step towards bringing nanofabrication to undergraduate students using simple benchtop tools that are accessible and inexpensive. These experiments are currently taking place in the first quarter of a sophomore seminar (Chem 250-1) offered jointly by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern Unive...

What Can Electrons Do? - Electron Microscopy
Submitted on 13-FEB-07
Contributed by Jian-Guo Zheng

This project is to educate students about important roles of electron microscopy in nanoscience and nanotechnology. It will cover some properties of electrons, principles of electron microscopy, applications of electron microscopy in characterizing nano-scale materials, and the development of electron microscopy to meet challenges in nanotechnology....