Study information

Nanostructures and Graphene Science - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLENanostructures and Graphene Science CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3064 MODULE CONVENERProf Mikhail (Misha) Portnoi (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 12
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
In this module students work in groups to prepare presentations for the whole class and follow this by working individually on their own reports, which comprise the majority of the assessed components. The fundamental physics learned in previous core modules on quantum mechanics, solid-state and statistical physics, is used as a basis to describe and explain the operation of devices that exploit both quantum phenomena and the unique characteristics of graphene. As well as demonstrating the application of physics to technology, the module also provides a grounding that will be useful for careers in the electronics and photonics industries.

Pre-requisite modules: PHY2022 and PHY2024 or equivalent modules.
AIMS - intentions of the module

Our ability to transmit, process, and store information now depends upon the quantum properties of matter and radiation and in some cases may exploit the properties of single quanta. In addition to their potential applications, quantum phenomena continue to provide new ways of probing our understanding of the world and allow us to explore the new physics of nanostructures and nanomaterials, such as graphene.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. describe the physical principles and operation of a range of devices, and the methods used to fabricate and characterise such devices;
2. demonstrate an understanding of quantum and graphene based devices;
3. critically appraise the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantum and nanostructure devices in a range of applications.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4. discover and evaluate technical information from a variety of sources;
5. solve problems which require discovery of information.
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6. communicate technical information in a succinct and precise manner.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • Introductory lecture, assign topic 1, sample page exercise.
  • Seminar on 1st topic, assign topic 2.
  • Seminar on 2nd topic, assign topic 3 (i.e. subject of 1st assessed essay), deadline for submission of essay plan and sample page.
  • Seminar on 3rd topic, assign topic 4.
  • Seminar on 4th topic, assign topic 5 (i.e. subject of 2nd assessed essay).
  • Seminar on 5th topic, assign topic 6. Feedback session on essay plans and sample pages.
  • Seminar on 6th topic, assign topic 7. Deadline for submission of 1st assessed essay.
  • Seminar on 7th topic, assign topic 8.
  • Seminar on 8th topic, decide subject of oral presentations to be based on topic 7 or 8.
  • Groups work on presentations. Feedback for 1st assessed essay.
  • Group presentations.
  • Deadline for submission of 2nd assessed essay.
     
Because of the rapid change in this area, the topics will be drawn from current research and so those given below are indicative examples only.
 
I. Photon Detectors
Semiconductor based photo detectors; Charge-coupled devices; Photomultipliers.
II. Microcavities and Photonic Crystals
3D polaritons, microcavity polaritons; photonic crystal fabrication and optical properties.
III. Quantum Dots
Fabrication; basic physics - energy spectrum and density of states; optical properties - oscillator strength and spectra; Coulomb blockade and single-electron transistors.
IV. Quantum Dot Lasers
Semiconductor lasers; Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting lasers; the advantages of quantum dots.
V. Physics of Graphene
Crystal structure; the Dirac equation; single-, bi- and tri-layer graphene band structures; suspended vs supported graphene; Moiré patterns.
VI. Graphene Transistors
DC electrical transport; chemical sensors; oscillators.
VII. Graphene Optoelectronics and Plasmonics
Saturable absorber in laser; photovoltaics; touch-screens; plasmonics.
VIII. Production of Graphene and Other 2-D Materials
Carbon nanotubes and nanoribbons; molybdenum sulphide, tungsten sulphide; topological insulators.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 13.5 Guided Independent Study 136.5 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 1 1-hour introductory lecture
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 12 8×1.5-hour seminars
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 0.5 0.5-hour essay plan feedback session
Guided independent study 12.5 Working as group on assessed oral presentation
Guided independent study 124 Research to support own learning requirements

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Seminar contribution 9 × 1-hour 1-6 Verbal
Practice essay plan and style-sample 750 words 1-6 Written and verbal

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 80 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 20
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Formal report 40 2500 words 1-6 Written
Formal report 40 2500 words 1-6 Written
Oral presentation 20 20 minutes 1-6 Written and verbal

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Whole module Written examination (100%) 1, 3-5 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Referred assessment, in the form of prepared essays written under examination conditions, is available for this module.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY2022, PHY2024
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 14th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Quantum; Devices; Electron; Range; Lasers; Photonic; Spin; Quantum devices; Communication; Transistors.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.