AEP 1200

Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanoengineering

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2016-2017 Catalog.

Lecture/laboratory course designed to introduce first-year students to some of the ideas and concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Topics include nanoscience and nanotechnology-what they are and why they are of interest; atoms and molecules; the solid state; surfaces; behavior of light and material particles when confined to nanoscale dimensions; scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design; basic micromachining and chemical synthesis methods, i.e., "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches to nanofabrication; how to manipulate structures on the nanoscale; physical laws and limits they place on the nanoworld; some far-out ideas. In the laboratory, students use an AFM to record atomic resolution images, use a MEMS computer-aided design software package to model the entire manufacturing sequence of a simple MEMS device, examine the simulated behavior of the device and compare it with real behavior, construct a simple STM and learn through hands on experience the basic workings of the device.

Outcomes

• An introductory understanding of quantum mechanics and optics as applied to nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• Acquired a basic understanding of the tools and fabrication techniques used in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

When Offered Fall, spring.

Comments Course in Introduction to Engineering series.

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