Associated Faculty: Brainard, Carpenter, Eisenbraun, Paluh, Xue

This track focuses on the fundamental material properties of molecular dots, wires, and crystals, quantum confinement and ballistic transport based device structures, and the integration of molecular/electronic materials in nanodevice geometries. It also includes advanced theoretical and computer simulation treatments of nanoscale optical, electronic, elastic, and thermodynamic properties.

Foundations Courses: Because this track is part of the Nanoscale Science program, it is recommended that students wishing to prepare for it pursue the Nanoscale Science Qualifying Examination. Students without adequate background in the following subjects should take the corresponding Foundation Courses:

506 Crystallinity and Diffraction
506 Phase Equilibria for Nanoscale Systems
506 Kinetics and Transport
506 Mechanics of Materials
507 Quantum 1A
507 Molecular Materials
507 Nanolaboratory Techniques
508 Optical/Photonic Properties
508 Particle-Solid Interactions
508 Analytical Techniques
509 Surfaces and Interfaces
509 Device Principles

Optional (based on background)
504 Chemical Principles
507 Mathematical Methods

Track-Specific Coursework: The 9 credits of upper-level track courses are chosen such that students have a broad exposure to nanomaterials synthesis and processing techniques. These topics will cover a range of inorganic and organic materials for both bottoms-up and top-down techniques for synthesizing and modifying nanomaterials. Characterization of these materials will be detailed with a range of methods sufficient for both organic and inorganic nanomaterials.

603 Nanomaterials Processing (3)
657 Bioconjugation and Purification Strategies for Nanobio (3)
667 Surface Analysis of Nanostructures (3)