The purpose of this module is to enhance the students' understanding of key concepts of mechanics, optical and electronic transport properties of nanostructured materials and to develop an understanding of the importance of mechanical and electro-optical properties in applications of nanostructured materials.

Nanotribology and Materials Characterization Studies Using Scanning Probe Microscopy: Description of AFM/FFM, Friction and Adhesion, Scratching, Indentation and wear, Phase, electrostatic and related scanning probe microscopies. Surface Forces: Types of Surface Forces; Methods Used to Study Surface Forces; Adhesion and Capillary Forces; Different Modes of Friction and the Limits of Continuum Models. Friction and Wear on the Atomic Scale: Friction Force Microscopy in Ultra-High Vacuum, The Tomlinson Model, Friction Experiments on Atomic Scale, Thermal Effects on Atomic Friction, Geometry Effects in Nanocontacts. Nanomechanical Properties of Solid Surfaces and Thin Films: Modes of Deformation, Thin Films and Multilayers. Mechanics of Biological Nanotechnology: Scales at the Bio-Nano Interface, Viruses as a Case Study. Optical Properties of Nanostructures: Collective oscillation (Gustav-Mie explanation), surface plasmon polaritons, subwavelength optics, nonlinear optical properties, Electron Transport in Nanostructures: Electronic transport in nanostructures, density of states in nanocrystals. Electronic Nanodevices: Quantization of resistance, single-electron transistors, resonant tunnelling diodes, organic molecular electronics. Magnetic Nanodevices: Spintronics. Photonic Nanostructures: Photonic crystals, metamaterials, disordered photonic media.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1) Demonstrate how mechanical, electrical and optical properties of nanostructured materials arise and how they are used to understand and apply nanostructured materials. 2) Discuss the physical processes responsible for electro-optical phenomena unique to low dimensional nanostructured materials and systems. 3) Extrapolate information from associated experimental measurement techniques that identify each phenomenon. 4) Describe physical basis and experimental observation of electron transport in nanostructures, optical properties of nanostructured photonic materials, mechanical properties of nanostructures and the concepts and applications of nanostructured devices based on these materials and properties. 5) Derive relevant equations describing surface forces on nanostructures, friction on the atomic scale, optical properties of semiconducting nanostructures and electronic transport mechanisms in nanostructured materials from basic laws and principles. 6) Solve numerical problems, from information provided, on the topics covered.

On successful completion of this module, students will: 1) Discuss the importance of mechanical and electrical phenomena in nanoscale systems and size effect in low dimensional systems/solids. 2) Specify methods of nanostructure/nanomaterial characterization in academic and research environments.

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The module will be taught via interactive lecture, experiential tutorial, problem-based private study, self directed learning, recommended reading, reflection on and application to physics-related research problems, enquiry based learning, observation, demonstration, skills acquisition and adaptation, mentorship and lab supervision. Students will learn basic concepts and learn how apply their knowledge to solve physical and numerical problems.