Introduction to Quantum Transport (edX)

No prior background in quantum mechanics or statistical mechanics is assumed.

This course is part of the Nanoscience and Technology MicroMasters.

What you'll learn

- The Schrödinger equation

- How the tight-binding model works

- The concept of bandstructure and E(k) relations

- Self-energy

- Broadening

- NEGF equations

- Dephasing

Syllabus

Week 1: Schrödinger Equation

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Wave Equation

1.3 Differential to Matrix Equation

1.4 Dispersion Relation

1.5 Counting States

Week 2: Schrödinger Equation (continued)

1.6 Beyond 1D

1.7 Lattice with a Basis

1.8 Graphene

1.9 Reciprocal Lattice/Valleys

1.10 Summing Up

Week 3: Contact-ing Schrödinger & Examples

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Semiclassical Model

2.3 Quantum Model

2.4 NEGF Equations

2.5 Bonus Lecture, NOT covered on exams

2.6 Scattering Theory

Week 4: Contact-ing Schrödinger & Examples (continued)

2.7 Transmission

2.8 Resonant Tunneling

2.9 Dephasing

2.10 Summing Up

3.1 Bonus Lecture, NOT covered on exams

3.2 Quantum Point Contact

3.3 - 3.10 Bonus Lectures, NOT covered on exams

Week 5: Spin Transport

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Magnetic Contacts

4.3 Rotating Contacts

4.4 Vectors and Spinors

4.5 - 4.6 Bonus Lectures NOT covered on exams

4.7 Spin Density/Current

4.8-4.10 Bonus Lectures NOT covered on exams

Text: S. Datta, “Lessons from Nanoelectronics”, Part B: Quantum Transport, World Scientific, Second Edition 2017.

The manuscript will be available for download in the course.