84537 - LABORATORY OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to implement and perform experiments at the nanoscale on advanced materials, both in terms of fundamental principles and advanced experimental tools for the growth and characterization of nanomaterials. The student will acquire the basic skills needed to critically elaborate and interpret experimental data.

Course contents

Introduction to experiments at the nanoscale

1. Fabrication of nanostructures: “bottom up” approach, self-assembly growth (nanowires, nanoparticles, ultra- thin films)
2. Characterization of nanostructures: scanning probe microscopies (AFM, STM etc)
3. Measurements of electronic signals: low level electrical signal: collection, amplification, improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio.
4. Application of nanostructures: communication and information technology, organic electronics and biosensors

Laboratory experiments

1. Scanning Probe Microscopy (atomic force AFM, and Scanning Tunneling STM)
2. Nano-electronic characterization: nano- Schottky barriers and transistors (current-voltage and capacitance voltage analyses)
3. Characterization of electronic noise
4. Nano-Fabrication and characterization of conducting polymer thin films and interfaces.
5. Independent student project (supervised )

Readings/Bibliography

1. Nanophysics and Nanotechnology: An Introduction to Modern Concepts in Nanoscience, Edward Wolf, Wiley-VCH
2. Introductory Bioelectronics, Roland Pethig, Steward Smith, Wiley
3. Atomic Force Microscopy, Greg Haugstad, Wiley

Teaching methods

Teaching classes and introduction to the experimental apparatuses including hands-on experiences in the laboratories of the Condensed Matter Physics group.

Laboratory experiments in groups of 2 people, in the dedicated Condensed Matter Physics educational laboratory (located at the DIFA, viale Berti Pichat 6/2)

Assessment methods

Oral interview, with discussion of the written laboratory experiences results (to be handed in at least 15 days before the exam date). The oral interview aims at assessing the acquired knowledge related to the topics discussed during the course. The discussion of the laboratory reports aims at assessing the level of experimental proficiency and the development of critical skills in handling experimental data. The final mark, on a scale 18-30 over 30, takes into account the scores achieved in both the oral interview and in the laboratory reports.

Teaching tools

Educational laboratory dedicated to experiments of condensed matter physics, with real time data acquisition systems. The PCs are available to the students for elaborating data, images, and report throughout the whole course duration.

The course has a dedicated eLearning page (Moodle) that contains all lecture materials, videas and supporting material.

Links to further information

https://iol.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=17667

Office hours

See the website of Tobias Cramer