A hands-on laboratory and computational experience for nanoscale materials, devices and systems education for electronics, spintronics and optoelectronics

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive multidisciplinary course combining theory, hands-on laboratory, and computational exercises to enhance nanoscale materials, devices, and systems education for engineering students.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated curriculum that combines practical laboratory work and computational simulations for nanoscale engineering education.

Findings

Students gain practical skills in nanomaterials and device fabrication.

The course fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and prepares students for careers in nanoscience.

Enhanced understanding of nanoscale device applications in logic, memory, and energy harvesting.

Abstract

To enhance the undergraduate and graduate engineering education for nanoscale materials, devices and systems, we report a multi-disciplinary course based on the integration of theory, hands-on laboratory and hands-on computation into a single curriculum. The hands-on laboratory modules span various dimensionalities of nanomaterials as well as applications in logic, memory, and energy harvesting. In the hands-on computational exercises, students simulate the material and the device characteristics, and in some cases, design the experimental process flow to fabricate and characterize the devices and systems. Such a course not only grooms the students for multi-disciplinary collaborative activities in nanoscience and nanoengineering, but also prepares them well for future academic or industrial pursuit in this area.