Traditionally, progress in electronics has been driven by miniaturization. But as electronic devices approach the molecular scale, classical models fordevice behavior must be abandoned. To prepare for the next generation ofelectronic devices, this class teaches the theory of current, voltage andresistance from atoms up. To describe electrons at the nanoscale, we will beginwith an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics, includingquantization, the wave-particle duality, wavefunctions and Schrödinger'sequation. Then we will consider the electronic properties of molecules, carbonnanotubes and crystals, including energy band formation and the origin ofmetals, insulators and semiconductors. Electron conduction will be taughtbeginning with ballistic transport and concluding with a derivation of Ohm'slaw. We will then compare ballistic to bulk MOSFETs. The class will concludewith a discussion of possible fundamental limits tocomputation.
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