NANOFABRICATION AND CHARACTERISATION - 2021/2

Module Overview

Expected prior learning: None specifically advised.

Module purpose: Introduction to experimental techniques and practical skills in nanotechnology, nanoelectronics and nanoscale device fabrication

Module provider

Computer Science and Electronic Eng

Module Leader

STOLOJAN Vlad (Elec Elec En)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes the following:

1. Data and image processing and analysis [4 hours teaching + 2 hours tutorial]

a.Experimental and statistical errors.

b.Fourier Transforms for image and data processing.

c.Introduction to image processing and particle analysis.

d.Introduction to data processing and analysis.

e.Introduction to Origin Lab Data Analysis and Image analysis software.


2. Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy [3 hours teaching +2 hours tutorial]

a.Optical and 3D optical microscopies.

b.UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR and luminescence spectroscopies.

c.Raman spectroscopy.


3. Nanostructure growth and deposition [2 hours teaching + 1 hour tutorial]

a.Chemical Vapour Deposition growth of nanostructures.

b.Solution processing of nanostructures

c.Laser deposition and formation of nanostructures.


4. Surface characterisation and electrical properties [2 hours teaching + 2 hour tutorial]

a.Focused ion beam Microscopy.

b.Atomic Force Microscopy and related surface analysis techniques.

c.Electrical measurements at the nanoscale.


5. Surface characterisation with Ion Beams [4 hours teaching + 2 hour tutorial]

a.Introduction to ion implantation in electronics.

b.Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy

c.Thin film characterisation


6. Micro and Nano -Electromechanical Systems: Principles and Fabrication [4 hours teaching+ 2 hours tutorial]

a.Fundamentals of MEMS and NEMS design and processing, use in sensors, microsystems technology and applications.

b.Mechanics on the nanoscale.

c.Key drivers associated with developing new technologies and the development of next generation nano-bio devices with illustrative examples will be discussed

 

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable: students failing a unit of assessment resit the assessment in its original format.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the following:

· The practical analysis of data, including specifically error estimation and derivation.

· The design of a scientific presentation.

· The understanding of the wider scope of a specific piece of research, through literature review

· The graphical representation of results and analysis, including the understanding the role of figure captions.

· The ability to understand the fundamental theory behind major experimental techniques used in nanotechnology and fabrication and apply it to case studies and examples.

· A general understanding of the achievements and challenges facing the next generation of nanoscale devices.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of the following:

A.EXAM: 2-hour, closed-book written examination

B.COURSEWORK: Preparing and delivering a presentation on experimental data (provided 2 weeks before the assignment start date), analysis and interpretation of that data and corroboration of results with external sources.

Any deadline given here is indicative. For confirmation of exact dates and times, please check the Departmental assessment calendar issued to you.

 

Formative assessment and feedback

For the module, students will receive formative assessment/feedback in the following ways.

· During lectures, by question and answer sessions

· During tutorials/tutorial classes

· By means of unassessed tutorial problem sheets (with answers/model solutions)

· During supervised computer laboratory sessions

· Via assessed coursework

Module aims

• Introduce students to common analytical experimental techniques used in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology, such as: 1) optical microscopy (eg. confocal) and spectroscopies (eg. Raman); 2) scanning probe microscopy (Atomic Force Microscopy and its variants); 3) ion, X-ray and electron beam spectroscopies (eg. Rutherford Backscattering, Energy-dispersive X-ray); 4) electrical measurements on the nanoscale.
• Provide practical experience in analysing data and measurement errors
• Provide some of the soft skills used in communicating research results, such as literature searching, use of referencing database, producing journal-quality figures and presenting results.
• Introduction to electronics and electro-mechanical fabrication techniques (lithography, printing).
• Introduction to nanomaterials fabrication techniques (eg. growth of graphene, nanotubes and nanowires, deposition of thin films)

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to achieve the following aims.

The course covers some of the fundamentals behind nanotechnology and moves on to discuss their practical implementation in nanoscience and quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology, before discussing future trends and applications. Coupled with this, the course teaches some of the basics of scientific communication, from literature review to the design and planning of publication-quality images and figures, to the presentation of data. It also strengthens the some of the basic mathematical skills necessary for data analysis.

 

Learning and teaching methods include the following.

•19 hours lectures

•11 hours tutorials

•3 hours revision

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: EEEM050

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.