MSE 2069/1469   

Materials Science of Nanostructures

University of Pittsburgh, Materials Science and Engineering

  
 
  Description

Nanotechnology is an emerging and diffuse topic that intersects all major branches of physical sciences and engineering into smaller dimensions, typically considered to be 100 nm or below.  Here important phenomena are revealed at the meso-scale where atoms behave collectively, yet continuum models for solid materials no longer hold.  Surface effects may dominate, reactions and transport occur on much shorter timescales, and properties can much different than bulk (macro) objects.  The fundamentals of materials science, physical chemistry, physics, thermodynamics, kinetics, etc. that you already know can enable you to understand the special cases that comprise nanotechnology.

This course surveys and introduces the materials issues associated with the formation and assembly of nanostructures, and their integration with existing technologies, including:

  • Lithographic techniques below 100nm

  • Vapor phase synthesis of particles, islands, tubes, and wires on substrates

  • Solid phase nanostructures formation and modification, including nanocrystalline, nanocomposite, and nanoscale-modified material

  • Nanoscale self-assembly, including aggregation, templating, and direct methods.

No prequisites are specified, although the course assumes you are a Ph.D candidate in any of the condensed matter physical sciences (Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics), or engineering (Biological, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Materials).

2069 Message board  (Spring 2007) :

POSTED        MESSAGE      

1-19-7 Please check downloads page frequently for new handouts.  These are also the reading assignments.  For each topic, the chapters/files listed are arranged in order of importance, from must-read to optional-topical at the bottom of the list.
1-10-7 Reading assignment for Nanolithography I:  Timp Ch.2 (2.I, 2.IV),  Rai-Choudhury Ch. 1 (1.2, 1.6), see handouts page.
1-10-7

Reading assignment for introductory material:  Poole Ch. 1, Ch. 2 (2.1 only)

Supplemental reading materials are available on the handouts page.
1-3-7 Welcome to the new semester Spring 2007.  Lectures will be held in BEH 1220 W4-6:25p