Quantum nanoelectronics deals with the physics of small (< 1 μm) and/or cold (down to ~10 mK) objects connected to the macroscopic world through electrodes or gates. A central question at the core of this field is how quantum effects can be observed and manipulated through the macroscopic measuring apparatus. In this tutorial, we will give a pedagogical introduction to the field. We will start with an introduction to the main theoretical concepts and a review of some seminal experiments. The central part of the tutorial will be devoted to practical training on numerical calculations: we will demonstrate how researchers can simply setup their own models and perform their own calculations. These calculations can be used for theoretical predictions, to explain experimental data or even to assist the conception of device design.

The numerical part of the lecture is based on the Python programming language and the Kwant package. No particular background in programming is needed.

Topics

• Scattering theory of transport, Landauer formula for the conductance
• Continuous and discrete models (effective mass, Dirac equation, fermion doubling theorem)
• Electronic interference effects (Aharonov-Bohm effect, universal conductance fluctuations)
• Topological matter, quantum Hall effect
• Time-resolved nanoelectronics
• Numerical calculations with Python
• Hands-on tutorial on Kwant
• Practical example of the modeling of an experiment

When?
Sunday, March 13, 2016
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Who Should Attend?
PhDs, postdocs, and faculty (both experimentalists and theorists) interested in calculating the transport properties of quantum nano-systems (nanowires, semiconducting heterostructures, graphene, topological insulators…). We particularly encourage participation of experimentalists wanting to develop their own modeling of their experiments. Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter would help to fully benefit from the tutorial.

Organizer
Christoph Groth, CEA Grenoble, France

Instructors

• Anton Akhmerov, TU Delft, Netherlands
• Christoph Groth, CEA Grenoble, France
• Xavier Waintal, CEA Grenoble, France
• Michael Wimmer, TU Delft, Netherlands

How to register?

Registration for this tutorial (#10) is done together with registration for the March meeting.