Low-Dimensional Systems: Theory, Preparation, and Some Applications


Book Description

This volume contains papers presented at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) Dynamic Interactions in Quantum Dot Systems held at Hotel Atrium in Puszczykowo, near Poznan, Poland, May 16-19,2002. The term low-dimensional systems, which is used in the title of this volume, refers to those systems which contain at least one dimension that is intermediate between those characteristic ofatoms/molecules and those ofthe bulk material. Depending on how many dimensions lay within this range, we generally speak of quantum wells, quantum wires, and quantum dots. As such an intermediate state, some properties of low-dimensional systems are very different to those of their molecular and bulk counterparts. These properties generally include optical, electronic, and magnetic properties, and all these are partially covered in this book. The main goal of the workshop was to discuss the actual state of the art in the broad area ofnanotechnology. The initial focus was on the innovative synthesis of nanomaterials and their properties such as: quantum size effects, superparamagnetism, or field emission. These topics lead us into the various field based interactions including plasmon- magnetic spin- and exciton coupling. The newer, more sophisticated methods for characterization of nanomaterials were discussed, as well as the methods for possible industrial applications. In general, chemists and physicists, as well as experts on both theory and experiments on nanosized regime structures were brought together, to discuss the general phenomena underlying their fields ofinterest from different points ofview.




Low-Dimensional Systems


Book Description

Experimental progress over the past few years has made it possible to test a n- ber of fundamental physical concepts related to the motion of electrons in low dimensions. The production and experimental control of novel structures with typical sizes in the sub-micrometer regime has now become possible. In parti- lar, semiconductors are widely used in order to con?ne the motion of electrons in two-dimensional heterostructures. The quantum Hall e?ect was one of the ?rst highlights of the new physics that is revealed by this con?nement. In a further step of the technological development in semiconductor-heterostructures, other arti?cial devices such as quasi one-dimensional ‘quantum wires’ and ‘quantum dots’ (arti?cial atoms) have also been produced. These structures again di?er very markedly from three- and two-dimensional systems, especially in relation to the transport of electrons and the interaction with light. Although the technol- ical advances and the experimental skills connected with these new structures are progressing extremely fast, our theoretical understanding of the physical e?ects (such as the quantum Hall e?ect) is still at a very rudimentary level. In low-dimensional structures, the interaction of electrons with one another and with other degrees of freedoms such as lattice vibrations or light gives rise to new phenomena that are very di?erent from those familiar in the bulk ma- rial. The theoretical formulation of the electronic transport properties of small devices may be considered well-established, provided interaction processes are neglected.




Properties of Interacting Low-Dimensional Systems


Book Description

Filling the gap for comprehensive coverage of the realistic fundamentals and approaches needed to perform cutting-edge research on mesoscopic systems, this textbook allows advanced students to acquire and use the skills at a highly technical, research-qualifying level. Starting with a brief refresher to get all readers on an equal footing, the text moves on to a broad selection of advanced topics, backed by problems with solutions for use in classrooms as well as for self-study. Written by authors with research and teaching backgrounds from eminent institutions and based on a tried-and-tested lecture, this is a must-have for researchers, research students and instructors involved with semiconductor junctions, nanostructures and thin film systems.




Rich Quasiparticle Properties of Low Dimensional Systems


Book Description

This book discusses the essential properties of carbon nanotubes and 2D graphene systems. The book focuses on the fundamental excitation properties of a large range of graphene-related materials, presenting a new theoretical framework that couples electronic properties and e-e Coulomb interactions together in order to thoroughly explore Coulomb excitations and decay rates in carbon-nanotube-related systems.




Strongly Correlated Fermions and Bosons in Low-Dimensional Disordered Systems


Book Description

The physics of strongly correlated fermions and bosons in a disordered envi ronment and confined geometries is at the focus of intense experimental and theoretical research efforts. Advances in material technology and in low temper ature techniques during the last few years led to the discoveries of new physical of atomic gases and a possible metal phenomena including Bose condensation insulator transition in two-dimensional high mobility electron structures. Situ ations were the electronic system is so dominated by interactions that the old concepts of a Fermi liquid do not necessarily make a good starting point are now routinely achieved. This is particularly true in the theory of low dimensional systems such as carbon nanotubes, or in two dimensional electron gases in high mobility devices where the electrons can form a variety of new structures. In many of these sys tems disorder is an unavoidable complication and lead to a host of rich physical phenomena. This has pushed the forefront of fundamental research in condensed matter towards the edge where the interplay between many-body correlations and quantum interference enhanced by disorder has become the key to the understand ing of novel phenomena.




The Physics of Low-dimensional Semiconductors


Book Description

The composition of modern semiconductor heterostructures can be controlled precisely on the atomic scale to create low-dimensional systems. These systems have revolutionised semiconductor physics, and their impact on technology, particularly for semiconductor lasers and ultrafast transistors, is widespread and burgeoning. This book provides an introduction to the general principles that underlie low-dimensional semiconductors. As far as possible, simple physical explanations are used, with reference to examples from actual devices. The author shows how, beginning with fundamental results from quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, a formalism can be developed that describes the properties of low-dimensional semiconductor systems. Among numerous examples, two key systems are studied in detail: the two-dimensional electron gas, employed in field-effect transistors, and the quantum well, whose optical properties find application in lasers and other opto-electronic devices. The book includes many exercises and will be invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate physics or electrical engineering students taking courses in low-dimensional systems or heterostructure device physics.




Low-Dimensional and Nanostructured Materials and Devices


Book Description

This book focuses on the fundamental phenomena at nanoscale. It covers synthesis, properties, characterization and computer modelling of nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, bionanotechnology, involving nanodevices. Further topics are imaging, measuring, modeling and manipulating of low dimensional matter at nanoscale. The topics covered in the book are of vital importance in a wide range of modern and emerging technologies employed or to be employed in most industries, communication, healthcare, energy, conservation , biology, medical science, food, environment, and education, and consequently have great impact on our society.




Thermal Transport in Low Dimensions


Book Description

Understanding non-equilibrium properties of classical and quantum many-particle systems is one of the goals of contemporary statistical mechanics. Besides its own interest for the theoretical foundations of irreversible thermodynamics(e.g. of the Fourier's law of heat conduction), this topic is also relevant to develop innovative ideas for nanoscale thermal management with possible future applications to nanotechnologies and effective energetic resources. The first part of the volume (Chapters 1-6) describes the basic models, the phenomenology and the various theoretical approaches to understand heat transport in low-dimensional lattices (1D e 2D). The methods described will include equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, hydrodynamic and kinetic approaches and the solution of stochastic models. The second part (Chapters 7-10) deals with applications to nano and microscale heat transfer, as for instance phononic transport in carbon-based nanomaterials, including the prominent case of nanotubes and graphene. Possible future developments on heat flow control and thermoelectric energy conversion will be outlined. This volume aims at being the first step for graduate students and researchers entering the field as well as a reference for the community of scientists that, from different backgrounds (theoretical physics, mathematics, material sciences and engineering), has grown in the recent years around those themes.




Physics of Low Dimensional Systems


Book Description

This book contains contributions on some of the most important and current topics on the physics of low dimensional systems. The main emphasis is on the magnetic properties of surfaces, thin films, and atomic clusters. State-of-the-art techniques are discussed in detail. Techniques for the production and measurement of nanostructures are discussed, and pioneering contributions on the effect on health of these particles are presented. Important studies on semiconductor nanostructures are addressed as well as aerosol systems.




Advanced Electronic Technologies and Systems Based on Low-Dimensional Quantum Devices


Book Description

This volume on Advanced Electronic Technologies and Systems based on Low Dimensional Quantum Devices closes a three years series of NATO -AS!' s. The first year was focused on the fundamental properties and applications. The second year was devoted to Devices Based on Low-Dimensional Semiconductor Structures. The third year is covering Systems Based on Low-Dimensional Quantum Semiconductor Devices. The three volumes containing the lectures given at the three successive NATO -ASI's constitute a complete review on the latest advances in semiconductor Science and Technology from the methods of fabrication of the quantum structures through the fundamental physics am basic knowledge of properties and projection of performances to the technology of devices and systems. In the first volume: " Fabrication, Properties and Application of Low Dimensional Semiconductors" are described the practical ways in which quantum structures are produced, the present status of the technology, difficulties encountered, and advances to be expected. The basic theory of Quantum Wells, Double Quantum Wells and Superlattices is introduced and the fundamental aspects of their optical properties are presented. The effect of reduction of dimensionality on lattice dynamics of quantum structures is also discussed. In the second volume: " Devices Based on Low Dimensional Structures" the fundamentals of quantum structures and devices in the two major fields: Electro-Optical Devices and Pseudomorphic High Eectron Mobility Transistors are extensively discussed.