Teaching

6.701/6.719 Introduction to Nanoelectronics

Prereq: 6.003
Term: Spring
Units: 4-0-8 U (Undergraduates) / 4-0-8 Grad-H (Graduate Students)
(The graduate student subject 6.719 meets with undergraduate subject 6.701, but requires the completion of additional/different homework assignments and or projects.)

Traditionally, progress in electronics has been driven by miniaturization. But as electronic devices approach the molecular scale, classical models for device behavior must be abandoned. To prepare for the next generation of electronic devices, this class teaches the theory of current, voltage and resistance from atoms up.

To describe electrons at the nanoscale, we will begin with an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics: including quantization, the wave-particle duality, wavefunctions and Schrödinger’s equation. Then we will consider the electronic properties of molecules, carbon nanotubes and crystals, including energy band formation and the origin of metals, insulators and semiconductors. Electron conduction will be taught beginning with ballistic transport and concluding with a derivation of Ohm’s law. We will then compare ballistic to bulk MOSFETs. The class will conclude with a discussion of possible fundamental limits to computation.

Selected images from 6.701/6.719 (a) A representation of an electron known as a wavepacket. (b) Illustration of charge conduction through a nanowire. (c) The bandstructure of graphene. (d) A billiard ball “reversible” switch. After Feynman.

6.729 Molecular Electronics

Prereq: 6.728
Term: Fall
Units: 3-0-9 Grad-H

Electronic and optical properties of molecular materials. Intermolecular charge transport discussion includes localization, polarons, Marcus theory, disordered materials, and percolation models. Optical properties discussed include radiationless transitions and energy transfer, and the ramifications of molecular conformation changes. Relevant devices include organic light emitting devices, organic photovoltaic cells and organic transistors. Subject concludes with discussion of molecular circuits in biology. This is an advanced topics subject. A text, supplementary material, and references are provided.