1. Introduction and basic theory
(i) Origins and nature of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in society, current issues.
(ii) Quantum nature of matter. Electron energy levels. Wavefunctions and tunnelling. Solving simple quantum problems.
(iii) Electron field emission and display technology.
2. Nanomaterials
(i) Length scales, top-down and bottom-up approaches to nanotechnology. Common growth methods.
(ii) Properties of selected nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, other carbon based materials C60, graphene, and metallic nanoclusters and nanowires.
3. Scanning Probe Microscopy
(i) Scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy
(ii) Atomic and molecular manipulation – lateral manipulation and 2D quantum corrals, vertical manipulation, 1D quantum structures, tip induced effects, Ullmann process.
4. Tools of Nanotechnology: Electron and Ion based methods
(i) Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), image processing and analysis
(ii) Optical and electron beam lithography
(iii) Focused Ion beam.