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2023/2024

Nanoelectromechanical Sytems (NEMS)

Code: 43432 ECTS Credits: 6
Degree Type Year Semester
4314939 Advanced Nanoscience and Nanotechnology OT 0 1

Contact

Name:
Núria Barniol Beumala
Email:
nuria.barniol@uab.cat

Teaching groups languages

You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject. Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2023.

Teachers

Gabriel Abadal Berini
Francisco Torres Canals

Prerequisites

Basic physics (mechanics, electrostatic, optics....). Fundamentals of electronic devices.


Objectives and Contextualisation

The module aims to give students an overview of nanoelectromechanical systems, their main properties and applications. The physical principles that governs the behavior of the NEMS and the boundaries between classical and quantum models will be also established.


Competences

  • Analyse the benefits of nanotechnology products, within one's specialisation, and understand their origins at a basic level
  • Communicate and justify conclusions clearly and unambiguously to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously
  • Critically analyze the principles of operation and expected benefits of electronic devices operating at the nanoscale (nano-electronics specialty)
  • Design, plan and carry out a research project in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
  • Identify and distinguish the synthesis/manufacture techniques for nanomaterials and nanodevices typically adopted in one's specialisation.
  • Identify the characterisation and analysis techniques typically adopted in nanotechnology and know the principles behind these, within one's specialisation.
  • Show expertise in using scientific terminology and explaining research results in the context of scientific production, in order to understand and interact effectively with other professionals.
  • Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
  • Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Choose the most appropriate simulation/modelling method for a nanoelectronic device on the basis of its physical characteristics and operational principle.
  2. Communicate and justify conclusions clearly and unambiguously to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  3. Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously
  4. Describe the techniques used for making nanoelectromechanical systems.
  5. Design and carry out specific characterisations to determine the physical and chemical properties in nanoelectromechanical systems
  6. Design nanoelectromechanical systems based on specifications.
  7. Identify the transduction principle needed for the transduction of a specific property.
  8. Predict the behaviour of nanoelectromechanical systems taking into account the environment they are operating in.
  9. Recognise the characterisation techniques of nanoelectromechanical systems
  10. Recognise the opportunities provided by nanoelectromechanical systems for sensing in specific applications.
  11. Recognise the transduction mechanisms of nanoelectromechanical systems.
  12. Show expertise in using scientific terminology and explaining research results in the context of scientific production, in order to understand and interact effectively with other professionals.
  13. Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
  14. Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.

Content

  1. NEMS fundamentals. Nanomechanics.
  2. Non-linear dynamics. Modal coupling and collaborative behaviour. Noise
  3. NEMS fabrication and system integration (NEMS engineering)
  4. NEMS transduction techniques: electrical-optical-thermal-mechanical based techniques. Self-actuation.
  5. Carbon-based NEMS
  6. Applications and perspectives of NEMS. NEMS for probing mesoscopic effects & quantum properties. NEMS as emerging new devices (switches, oscillators, energy harvesting, sensors)

Methodology

Theory: Oral exposition of the fundamentals concepts. Concepts will be partially introduced by experts during the seminars. 

Laboratory: Hands-on specific tools for NEMS design and analysis. Finite elements simulations. Characterization of non-linear properties of resonators.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Activities

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Laboratory 10 0.4 5, 6, 12, 1, 8, 2
Seminars 5 0.2 12, 14
Theory 20 0.8 4, 6, 12, 1, 7, 8, 13, 11, 10, 9, 14
Type: Autonomous      
Preparation of reports and oral expositions 50 2 12, 2
Study to assimilate concepts 55 2.2

Assessment

The evaluation of the subject will have 3 differentiated sections:

a) Synthesis written test of the subject (35%), and with a rating above 4 to average with the remaining qualifications. This synthesis test can be retrieved with the final recovery exam (at the end of the semester), requiring a 4 to average.

b) Oral presentation of one of the cases worked. Obligatory and non-recoverable activity (35%).

c) Laboratory with two marks: Attendance and active participation in the laboratory sessions. Obligatory and non-recoverable activity (5%) and Written report of the work carried out in the laboratory, paying special attention to the interpretation and discussion of the results compared to those awaited theoretically and/or simulated (25%). This work is mandatory and non-recoverable.

The "Not evaluable" qualification will only be awarded if the student does not participate in any evaluation activities (attendance to the laboratory sessions, oral presentation, exams)

 

 

 


Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Laboratory: attendance and Written report on practical work 30% 2 0.08 4, 5, 6, 12, 1, 7, 8, 2, 11, 10, 9, 14
Oral presentation 35% 6 0.24 4, 5, 6, 12, 1, 7, 8, 13, 2, 3, 11, 10, 9, 14
Synthesis Test 35% 2 0.08 4, 5, 6, 12, 1, 7, 8, 2, 11, 10, 9, 14

Bibliography

  • Handbook of Nanotechnology. B. Bhushan. Springer-Verlag, (2004)
  • Practical MEMS. Ville Kaajakari. Small Gear Publishing. ISBN: 978-0-9822991-0-4 (2009)
  • MEMS/NEMS: handbook techniques and applications. Cornelius T. Leondes. New York : Springer, cop. (2006)
  • MEMS and NEMS : systems, devices, and structures. Sergey Edward Lyshevski. Boca Raton CRC Press, cop. (2002)

Software

Matlab and Finite Element Simulator