Nanophysics

Advanced Master

faculty of science

2009
Colofon
Redaction Department of student-oriented services and the faculty
Layout Department of student-oriented services
Photografy J. Crab

This brochure has been composed with great care. Study programmes though change
constantly. Therefore, the collection of training components could deviate from the
information in this brochure.

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Contents
Intodruction and objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Basic requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Study programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Course descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Study advice and student counselling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Useful websites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

More info?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Intodruction and objectives
The University of Antwerp has a strong and long-lasting research tradition in ­nanophysics.
The physics department organizes an up-to-date study programme in this ­fascinating and
emerging field. It deals with theoretical, computational and ­experimental ­techniques to
study the world of physics at the nanoscale.

The Master in Nanophysics is an advanced master programme aimed at Belgian as

well as foreign students who want to prepare themselves for a PhD research project in
­nanophysics or who intend to start a career in research and development in a university
or industrial research centre.

The language of the programme is English.

The programme focuses on:

• Present-day theoretical and computational techniques
• Experimental techniques for the characterization of nanostructures
• Practical computational and experimental experience

The studied topics include quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanotubes and fullerenes,
­­nanotechnology and electronics, nanobiology, metallic nanostructures, ­nanomagnetism,
electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, ...

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Basic requirements
This study programme is aimed at students who already possess a Master degree (or an
equivalent level of education) in physics, chemistry or applied sciences and want to gain
an in-depth knowledge about the nanophysics-world. That is why we expect from the
student a certain prior knowledge. This basic knowledge should consist of:

QUANTUM MECHANICS
• Heisenberg and Schrödinger picture of quantum mechanics
• Simple examples: square well potential, harmonic oscillator, transmission,
­reflection
• The hydrogen atom
• Perturbation theory
• Scattering theory: Born approximation, notions of life time and line width, method
of partial waves

Recommended books: Quantum Physics, S. Gasiorowicz; Quantum mechanics, C. ­Cohen-

Tannoudji, F. Laloe, B. Diu and many other good books.

SOLID SATE PHYSICS

• Phonons
• Free electron gas
• Band structure
• Ferromagnetism, magnons
• Plasmons
• Dielectrics

Recommended book: Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel, 7thedition, chapters

1-15.

STATISTICAL PHYSICS
• Ensembles: micro canonical, canonical, grand canonical
• Distributions: Bolzmann, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein
• Relation with thermodynamics
• Examples: ideal gas in equilibrium, harmonic oscillator

Recommended books: of Statistical and Thermal physics, F. Reif, chapters 6,7 and 9,­
­Statistical Mechanics, D. A. McQuarrie.

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CALCULUS
• Ordinary differential equations
• Infinite series
• Evaluation of integrals
• Integral transforms (Fourier, Laplace)
• Legendre functions
• Bessel functions
• Calculus of variations (Euler-Lagrange)
• Elementary properties of complex functions (poles, branch lines, residue theorem)

Recommended book: Mathematical methods of physics, J. Mathews and R.L. Walker

Students will be accepted for the programme after review by the admissions committee,
possibly after an admission test that will be held in September. If you miss some of these
basic requirements, there is some time foreseen in the programme schedule to follow
some remedial courses in physics. The admission test will help you decide upon this.

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Study programme
The Master in Nanophysics is a one year programme. It consists of obligatory ­basic
­courses in nanophysics in the 1st semester and optional courses in the 2nd ­semester.
In the 1st semester students who miss some of the basis requirements can follow
some ­basic courses in physics: ten percent of the programme schedule can be used to
­follow such remedial courses. These are intended to bring students from many different
­backgrounds and different educational systems to the same starting level of knowledge,
and to remedy gaps in the basic requirements. The content of these basic courses will
­depend on your previous curriculum in physics.
The student also has to carry out and report on an independent research project in which
he/she shows his/her ability to put the essential parts of the training into practice. The
student will have to his/her disposal an advanced experimental and computational
­infrastructure and will be supervised by specialists in the field.
ch cr sem
Remedial courses in physics max 6 1
Topics in nanophysics and nanotechnology 30 3 1
Basic courses in nanophysics
Physics of low-dimensional systems 60 6 1
Characterization techniques for nanostructures 30 3 1
Computational nanophysics 30 3 1
Advanced materials and nanotrends: an industrial ­perspective 30 3 1
Optional courses in nanophysics min 12
THEORETICALLY AND COMPUTATIONALLY ORIENTED
Project computer simulation techniques 45 3 2
Path integrals and applications 15 3 2
Quantum chemistry 20 3 2
Superconductivity and superfluidity 30 3 2
Surface physics 30 3 2
EXPERIMENTALLY ORIENTED
Electron microscopy 30 3 2
Diffraction and imaging techniques 30 3 2
Spectroscopic techniques 30 3 2
Chemical nanocharacterization 30 3 2
Nanobiology 30 3 2
Thesis 24 2
ch: contact hours; cr: credits; sem: semester

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Course descriptions
TOPICS IN NANOPHYSICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Coordinators: E. Goovaerts, B. Partoens
A series of lectures and mini-courses that cover selected ­topics from nanophysics and
­nanotechnology. The lectures will be given by lecturers from the physics department of the
University of Antwerp as well as external guest lecturers (from the ­chemistry and ­biology
department of the University of Antwerp, from IMEC, and from other ­universities: KU-
Leuven, TU Eindhoven, UHasselt, FUNDP, ...) The topics ­include, e.g., “nano­technology
and electronics”, “nanobiology”, “nanotubes”, “­scanning probe ­microscopy”, ...

PHYSICS OF LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS

Lecturer: F. Peeters
The basic principles of two-, one- and zero-dimensional semiconductor systems will
be discussed. The importance of those systems for modern physics and present day
t­echnology will be stressed.
The following subjects will be discussed:
• Growth and lithography of low dimensional systems
• Semiconductor systems: quantum wells, superlattices, quantum wires and ­quantum
dots
• Ballistic transport; diffusion theory; tunneling structures
• Wigner crystallization; Quantum Hall effect and the fractional quantum Hall effect
• Quantum dots, artificial atoms and the Coulomb blockade effect
• Metallic systems
• Fullerenes and nanotubes
• Nanomagnetism

CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR NANOSTRUCTURES

Lecturers: E. Goovaerts, N. Schryvers, L. Van Vaeck
This course consists of 3 parts. First an overview will be provided of different optical
and magnetic resonance techniques, their principals and applications, in particular to
­nanomaterials or their components. Followed by a discussion of the variety of micro­
scopic ­research tools that are used nowadays to investigate the structure of materials
at ­different length scales with the emphasis on nanoscopic tools. And finally, the course
surveys the range of currently employed methods for advanced chemical analysis of
­elements and molecules in solids, complementing the other methods.
While in depth treatment is not possible within this course, the student learns to
understand the standard application of spectroscopic, microscopic and chemical
­characterization tools in literature, and after attending the course the student should be
able to identify the proper tool for a particular problem.

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 The following spectroscopy and related techniques are covered:
• Absorption and luminescence spectroscopy
• Infrared and raman spectroscopy
• Nuclear magnetic resonance
• Electron paramagnetic resonance

The following microscopy and related techniques are covered:

• optical microscopy
• electron microscopy (scanning & transmission)
• electron, X-ray and neutron diffraction
• energy dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy-loss spectroscopy
• scanning probe microscopy (SPM, AFM, ...)
• two-photon microscopy
• tomography
• magnetic microscopy

The following chemical nanocharicterization topics are covered:

• the use of X-ray analysis methods for element determinations is introduced and
­linked to applications in electron microscopy
• X-ray photo-electron spectrometry for element detection and specification of the
binding state in both inorganic and organic applications
• attention is paid to the various forms of mass spectrometry, mainly focussing on the
methods allowing analytes to be characterised and quantified with high lateral and
depth resolution
• specific surface analysis methods such as low energy ion scattering spectrometry

COMPUTATIONAL NANOPHYSICS
Lecturers: D. Lamoen, F. Brosens
After a review of the basic properties of solids, we first give an overview of the most
­important results of Density Functional Theory (DFT), which is by far the most used
methodology for quantitative calculations of ground state electronic structure ­properties
of extended systems. The DFT approach is compared with the Hartree-Fock ­method.
­Different methods which are based on DFT are then discussed: plane waves with
­pseudopotentials, (linearised) augmented plane waves, linear muffin tin orbitals, ...

The (ab initio) Tight-Binding method is introduced as an alternative for these

­computerintensive methods to study large systems (~103-106atoms). The application of
the ­multiband effective mass (i.e. k•p) theory to study the electronic structure of low-
dimensional semiconductor systems will be discussed.

We also show how the ground state structure can be obtained within DFT by ­calculating
the forces on the atoms and how efficient molecular dynamics simulations can be
­performed from first principles by using the Car-Parrinello method.

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 We will also address the calculation of excited states within the framework of first
­principles calculations.

Although DFT is very successful in the description of ground state properties of many
materials, it does have a number of limitations. An important and complementary alter-
native for situations where accuracy is paramount is the Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC)
method, which is an explicitly many-body method which takes the electron correlation
into account from the outset. We will start the QMC part by studying the problem of
generating pseudo random numbers drawn from a given distribution. Subsequently the
basic Monte Carlo strategy for evaluating multi-dimensional integrals is introduced,
­followed by the algorithm of Metropolis et al., and the principle of detailed balance. The
method will be applied to simple molecules, both with variational Monte Carlo and the
Monte Carlo evaluation of the imaginary-time Schrödinger equation.
The theoretical methods introduced in this course will be illustrated with examples from
the nanophysics world.

ADVANCED MATERIALS AND NANOTRENDS: AN INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVE

Lecturer: M. Van Sande
During recent years the interest and the related investments in materials research
have grown substantially. Advanced Materials and new material concept are ­generally
­considered as key enablers for further economic growth and as strategic element to
solve key problems linked to the growth of the world population and the progress in the
quality of life.

Major challenges in society such as:

• The increased need for energy
• The demand for improved mobility
• The explosion in communication speed and quality
• Massive information streams
• Etc …
are triggering the needs for complete new solutions in which advanced materials will
play an important role. Like in history the progress will not be possible without major
breakthrough in materials science and the translation into industrially viable solutions.

The roadmap to develop and implement economical sound industrial concepts is the
subject of the lectures. The environment in which we have to operate is complex and is a
combination of different considerations:
• How are markets evolving in relation to customer preferences?
• Which technologies will dominate future developments?
• How do we forecast and measure the environmental, health an safety consequence
of new activities?
• Which are the best geographical locations to invest?
• What are the expected financial returns?

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 • What are the competitors doing and where can we expect new competition?
• How do we secure access to raw materials?
• Etc….
Starting from some general concepts, a number of concrete examples will be ­presented.
Special attention will be given to new trends and more specifically the evolution towards
nano scale developments. Nanomaterials are becoming very popular because they ­offer
solutions for miniaturization in electronics, the reduction of consumption of scarce
­materials, increased catalytic performance, enhanced optical response etc…

Because companies are striving for economical return, the market is the major driving
force for decision making. The developments of materials will be put in this perspective
i.e. new materials will be positioned in the quest for enhanced market performance.

The following specific topics will be covered:

• energy conversion with a focus on renewable technologies such as solar cell
• energy storage with batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage
• energy transport and saving (superconductors, Light Emitting Diodes etc…)
• optically active materials including nanomaterials for UV-protection
• materials for the automotive industry including the trends to electrical propulsion
• etc…

PROJECT COMPUTER SIMULATION TECHNIQUES

Lecturers: D. Lamoen, F. Brosens, B. Partoens
Depending on the interest of the student they will make a detailed study of a given ­topic:
Development of new functionals within Density Functional Theory, Quantum Monte
Carlo simulations, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, time-dependent DFT,
­application of k•ptheory, ...
The project includes numerical work.

PATH INTEGRALS AND APPLICATIONS

Lecturer: F. Brosens
Since Feynman introduced path integrals some 50 years ago as an alternative ­formulation
of quantum mechanics, they evolved into an important tool for the study of a variety of
phenomena in several domains of contemporary physics, including statistical physics,
field theory, elementary-particle physics, solid-state physics, molecular physics...

The course is primarily emphasizing techniques and applications, rather than the
strictly mathematical backgrounds. The concept of the path integral is introduced, and
­examples are worked out to demonstrate the possibilities and to show how they can be
used in a creative way.

In the first part the basic techniques are treated from the knowledge of quantum
­mechanics (using Trotter’s formula). The heuristic interpretation as a weighted sum
over all paths is discussed as an intuitive tool. Important concepts like the probability
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 i­ nterpretation, the classical limit, vector potentials, Ito’s integral, gauge ­transformations
and the Feynman-Kac formula are introduced.

The second part on applications will be rather eclectic; free particles and the family of
harmonic potentials, asymptotic expansions, path integrals for spin systems, quantum
statistics, coherent states, dissipative systems etc. will be treated in close interaction
with the students, depending on their specific interests.

QUANTUM CHEMISTRY
Lecturer: C. Van Alsenoy
Study of atoms and molecules. Systems of identical particles, the Slater determinant.
The Hartree-Fock method. Ab-initio calculations and the Hartree-Fock-Roothaan-Hall
equation. Beyond the Hartree-Fock approximation. Comparison with Density Functional
Theory.

SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY

Lecturer: J. Tempere
Objectives
To familiarise the student with the concepts and theory of superfluidity and super­
conductivity, in the context of Bose-Einstein condensates of dilute gases, liquid helium-
II and Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductivity.
To enable the student to model physical phenomena related to superfluidity and super-
conductivity, and calculate the properties of these quantum fluids.
To provide insight into the effect of (nanoscopic) confinement on superfluids and super-
conductors.

Content
• Superfluidity in trapped, dilute Bose gases: experiments, phenomenology, ­theory
of the ideal bose-gas, Gross-Pitaevskii formalism for the interacting Bose gas,
­hydrodynamic formulation, vorticity, 2D-and 1D-traps.
• Superfluidity in liquid helium-II: experiments, phenomenology, two-fluid model,
Feynman theory
• BCS-Superconductivity: experiments, phenomenology, Cooper pairing, the BCS
­model
• Confined superconductors: experiments, Ginzburg-Landau theory

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SURFACE PHYSICS
Lecturer: F. Peeters
From a technical point of view, surfaces are very important. Each solid has a surface and
this is the way it interacts with the surrounding. Surface physics deals with the chemical
composition and the arrangement of atoms at a surface. Both experimental ­observation
and theoretical study of their mechanical, electronic and chemical properties will be
­studied. This course concentrates on metallic and semiconductor surfaces. Fundamental
concepts in surface physics will be discussed. The accent will be on basic principles, their
experimental consequences and demonstration of their application on simple ­models.
The students sill have to present an overview of the experimental techniques which are
currently used in the study of surfaces.
Content
• Introduction
• Electronic structure at surfaces: simple models
• Electronic structure at surfaces: materials
• Surface phonons and polaritons
• Adsorption on solid surfaces
• Experimental measurement method

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Lecturer: S. Bals
Objectives
• A thorough understanding of all operating modes of an electron microscope
• A practical knowledge concerning the applicability of TEM to materials science
• Knowledge of the limits of electron microscopy

Content
• The transmission electron microscope
• Diffraction patterns
• Diffraction contrast imaging
• High resolution imaging (phase contrast)
• Introduction to advanced techniques

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DIFFRACTION AND IMAGING TECHNIQUES
Lecturers: D. Van Dyck, S. Bals
Objectives
Principles of diffraction and how to use them to determine symmetry properties of
­crystals. Which methods are used and what is their precision and accuracy. For which
materials are they suitable? Which factors influence the result.
Physical insight in image formation with photons and electrons.
Content
• X-ray, neutron and electron diffraction for materials science
• Experimental methods
• Determination of space group
• Refining structure parameters
• Basic principles of image formation, linear transfer theory, resolution,
­reconstruction,
• tomography.image processing
SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES
Lecturer: E. Goovaerts
In this course, a thorough treatment will be given of the principals and applications
of a selection of optical and magnetic resonance techniques. The application of the
­techniques to different nanomaterials will be discussed and examples from literature
will be treated in detail.
The following spectroscopy and related techniques are covered in depth, and with
examples of applications in nanomaterials (semiconductor nanostructures, carbon
­nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, ...):
• Absorption and luminescence spectroscopy
• Raman spectroscopy
• Electron paramagnetic resonance
CHEMICAL NANOCHARACTERIZATION
Lecturer: L. Van Vaeck
A concise introduction (10 h) will be given on the use of primarily mass spectrometric
methods for the local analysis of elements and molecules in solids with high lateral and/
or depth resolution. Covered methods are dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry
for elemental analysis, static secondary ion mass spectrometry and laser microprobe
mass spectrometry for the determination of the molecular composition, and sputtered
neutrals mass spectrometry. The functional principles and ionisation mechanism are
discussed to get insight in the possibilities and limitations of each technique for a given
application.
The second part of the course consists in the practical use of one of the available mass
spectrometers. Within the limits of the experimental facilities, the student works out a
topic of own interest, prepares the experiments and performs the analysis. There will be
practical assistance in the use of the instrumentation.
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 Study advice and student counselling
GENERAL STUDY ADVICE AND STUDENT COUNSELLING
Throughout the year, students can call on the Study Advice and Student Counselling
­service to help resolve study-related as well as personal problems. Group activities
and individual counselling are free of charge. To make an appointment with a study
­counsellor, contact the Student Information Point (STIP).

STUDY OPTIONS
The Study Advice and Student Counselling service can assist you in outlining a study
­pathway that not only corresponds with your areas of interests but also offers you the
best chances in the labour market. Counsellors also provide assistance to students who
wish to leave university prematurely or to steer their studies in a new direction.

STUDY SKILLS AND PLANNING

A Master’s programme requires a different study approach: self-study is more ­prevalent,
student presentations are part and parcel of most programmes, and the Master’s ­thesis
needs to be prepared… Students seeking assistance in selecting an appropriate ­study
strategy may wish to take part in group training sessions or to apply for individual
­counselling.

PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELLING
Students who are experiencing psychological (depression, anxiety, …) or relational
(­conflict with partner, parents,….) problems can call on the Study Advice and Student
Counselling service.

The offering of individual, group and digital counselling is announced at the beginning of
each semester in the various publications for students. Information is also available at
www.ua.ac.be/adstud or www.ua.ac.be/studentenportaal.

COUNSELLING OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL

FACILITIES
Students with functional limitations (physical disability or chronic condition, learning
disorders such as dyslexia, ADHD, psychological problems ...) or students who are
­simultaneously pursuing a top-level career in sports or art can apply via the Study Advice
and Student Counselling service for special educational and/ or exam facilities, as laid
down in the Education and Examination Regulation of the University of Antwerp.

After having submitted an application, the student will be invited to an assessment

meeting with a student counsellor, where the necessary arrangements will be made in
consultation with the applicant. Once a student’s file has been finalised and the required
certificates have been obtained, the application is submitted for approval by the rector.

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Useful websites
MASTERS WEBSITE
For extensive information on all Master’s degree programmes offered at the ­University of
Antwerp, visit www.ua.ac.be/masters. From this URL, links are available to the ­websites
of the various university faculties.

INFORMATION DAYS
Each year, the University of Antwerp organises three information days. The first one
is in March, the seconde one in April, the third one in early September. The various
­faculties provide information sessions to further elucidate their respective Master’s
­degree ­programmes. Prospective students can ask questions and discuss issues with
­lecturers and senior students. No prior registration is required. The dates on which these
­information sessions take place are announced on our website under
www.ua.ac.be/infodagen.

ENROLMENT
Practical information on student enrolments can be found at:
www.ua.ac.be/inschrijven.

THE STUDENT PORTAL

The student portal of the University of Antwerp, at www.ua.ac.be/studport, ­provides
­general information that is of concern to all students: the academic calendar, the
­computer and network infrastructure, Blackboard, available courses, study financing,
student housing, social provisions, eating and drinking on campus, student jobs, ­student
clubs, sports activities, designated study counsellors per faculty, doctoral studies, etc.

LIBRARY
The University of Antwerp possesses an extensive library collection for students and
staff. On the City Campus, there is a brand-new library building for the Arts. The libraries
for the Exact and Medical Sciences are housed at Middelheim, Groenenborger and Drie
Eiken campuses. For further information, visit http://lib.ua.ac.be

START OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR

The 2009-2010 academic year starts on Monday 21 September 2009. Specific ­information
regarding the beginning of the academic year can be found on
www.ua.ac.be/onthaaldag from mid-September.

HOW TO REACH CAMPUS

The four campuses are easily accessible by car, bicycle and public transport. For detailed
directions, visit www.ua.ac.be/route.

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 More info?
PROGRAMME SECRETARIAT
Universiteit Antwerpen
Department of Physics
Tanya Haegemans
Campus Groenenborger – building U
Groenenborgerlaan 171
2020 Antwerpen
T +32 (0)3 265 34 39
tanya.haegemans@ua.ac.be

PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR
Universiteit Antwerpen
Department of Physics
Prof. dr. Bart Partoens
Campus Groenenborger – building U
Groenenborgerlaan 171
2020 Antwerpen
T +32 (0)3 265 36 63
bart.partoens@ua.ac.be

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT-ORIENTED SERVICES

Studenten Informatie Punt (STIP)

Stadscampus
Agora-gebouw, 1ste verdieping
Grote Kauwenberg 2
2000 Antwerpen
T +32 (0)3 220 48 72

Campus Drie Eiken

Gebouw G
Universiteitsplein 1
2610 Antwerpen (Wilrijk)
T +32 (0)3 820 20 09

stip@ua.ac.be

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