EE 5940: 2D Materials: Properties and Devices
Propelled by the discovery of new fundamental science, and its immense potential for technological applications, the research on graphene has garnered significant attention from both academia and industry, and across diverse disciplines such as physics, chemistry, engineering and biology. While new physical phenomena and interesting technological advances are still continually being made, research in this field has arguably reached a juncture where opportunities for real applications are seriously being considered and weighed against today's state-of-the-art solutions. In addition, graphene has also inspired the rediscovery of many other layered materials, leading to the emergence of a new class of atomically thin 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides, boron nitride, silicene, germanene, phosphorene and many more. Most notably, the transition metal dichalcogenides has already demonstrated similar potentials for new science and novel properties. Recent exploration into artificial man-made vertical heterostructures by layering different 2D materials further sparks limitless opportunities for innovation, not forgetting that semiconductor heterojunction physics ushered in the heyday of semiconductor devices. Entering the 10th year since the discovery of graphene, and possibly also a critical juncture in 2D materials research, we propose the following course entitled “2D materials: properties and devices”, with an overarching goal of arming graduate students and researchers with the essential basics, breadth and depth on 2D materials properties and their electronic and optoelectronic devices. In addition, we aim to also offer a realistic outlook on the current field, and research beyond. In terms of the coverage, about 60% will be on graphene, about 40% on other emerging 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides, boron nitride, black phosphorus and their heterostructures.
EE 8000: Quantum Computing: From Algebra, Physics to Devices
Quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon where pairs of particles interact across spatial separation in such a way that their individual state of existence cannot be described independently of the other particle. This has been touted as a new resource, like energy, which can be measured, manipulated, purified, expended, or destroyed. The objective of this course is to introduce the mathematical tools to represent and evolve such quantum states, the physical manipulation, computation and measurement of such quantum states, and real physical devices which are currently being pursued by institutions and companies in realizing practical computing devices. This course will cover selected quantum qubit devices; nuclear magnetic resonance, trapped ions, Josephson junction and quantum dots qubits.
EE 3161: Semiconductor Physics and Devices
From thermionic vacuum tube devices to modern day integrated circuits with billions of nanoscale transistors that power our iPhone, semiconductor materials play a pivotal role. This course introduces the physics of semiconductor materials and their devices. We begin with basic discussions about its crystal structure, Miller indices, electronic band structure and its carrier statistics. With these basic groundwork, then we will dive into various theories on describing electronic transport in semiconductors. The second part of the course will be focused on the understanding of the working principles of devices key to modern day technologies, such as pn junctions, diodes, solar cell, photodetectors, Schottky contacts, metal-oxide-semiconductors capacitors, and transistors.
EE 3601: Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe and it is what makes possible the advanced technologies that defined our modern civilization such as television, computers, mobile phones, radio, among many others. In this course, we will learn about Maxwell equations, electostatics, and magnetostatics, time varying fields, propagating and scattering waves, and learning how to solve them in some simple settings. Engineers will also be exposed to tools and tricks, such as transmission lines, impedance matching, among many others. The students will get a taste of the wide-ranging applications of electromagnetism in today's society, such as antenna, fiber optics, wave guides, resonators, satellites communications and radar sensors.
EE 2011: Linear Systems, Circuits, Electronics
Imagine trying to solve a network of resistors, capacitors, inductors, amplifiers, transistors with quantum mechanics, Maxwell equations and your favorite electron transport theories. This will be a daunting task that even the most powerful supercomputers in the world will not be able to handle! Luckily, for most situations, the physics of Maxwell equations and its constitutive laws can be well embodied within lumped element theory, e.g. Ohm’s law by a resistor, Gauss’s law by a capacitor, Ampere’s and Faraday’s law by an inductor, while the charge and energy conservation by the famous Kirchhoff’s circuit law. This course will teach you these basic principles and how to solve the system response of simple network of such lump elements, using techniques such as Laplace transform, Fourier or phasor analysis. The second part of the course then demonstrates how such simple tricks can allow you to design amplifiers, filters, and even understanding of plasmonic phenomena.
EE 5163: Advanced Semiconductor Physics and Devices
This is an advanced semiconductor physics and device course with a focus on nanoscale electron devices. It offers a comprehensive understanding of electron behavior at the quantum level. The course begins by exploring the historical development of electron theory, emphasizing its dual nature as both a particle and a wave. Concepts like the de Broglie wavelength and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle are introduced to establish a foundation in quantum mechanics. Linear algebra is highlighted as a crucial tool for understanding quantum mechanics. Key concepts covered include linear vector spaces, bra-ket notation, inner and outer products, operators, adjoints, unitary Hermitian matrices, spectral theorem, and spectral decomposition. Building on this foundation, the course delves into the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics, wave functions, position and momentum operators, the canonical relation between them, the density matrix, and the Schrödinger equation. Classic quantum mechanics problems, including free electron packets, electron confinement in wells, quantum tunneling, and the hydrogen atom, are explored. The study then shifts to the crystal and electronic structure, touching upon topics such as the Bloch theorem, the Kronig Penny model, bandgap formation, atomic orbital combinations in crystals, the tight binding method, and a practical example of calculating graphene's band structure. The concept of a two-dimensional electron gas in various materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides is introduced. Carrier statistics for the 2D electron gas, including density-of-states calculations and electron-hole density determination, are discussed. The course further delves into the electrostatics of top-gated devices, quantum capacitance, and gate control of carrier densities. Ballistic transport within the Landauer picture is introduced using graphene and silicon transistors as examples. The course concludes by examining the performance limits of silicon transistors. The flipped classroom approach is employed, requiring students to engage with foundational material before class, allowing in-class time for advanced discussions and critical thinking.