Physics of Nanoscale Systems
Dr. Slava Rotkin
The research in the area of "Physics of nanoscale systems" is aimed at obtaining a fundamental knowledge and microscopic description of one-dimensional (1D) systems, with the length of the system essentially exceeding two other size scales. With the transverse dimensions being of the order of a nanometer (or less), the system is a nanoscale 1D wire.
These systems typically show a novel behavior because of quantum mechanical interactions, that are important at the nanoscale, and a poor screening of the Coulomb interaction between electrons, which enhances many-body effects. The complexity of the first principles description of the nanoscale 1D systems inhibits using this method along for studying the applications. Therefore, a multiscale theory is developed and used for modeling of the nanowire/nanotube based devices. The theoretical research is conducted in a combination with an experimental study to provide fast verification of models and calculations. The experiment will be performed with use of an innovative characterization setup to be installed at the CAMN.
Most exciting study in nanoscience and nanotechnology happens at the junctions of different disciplines, such as quantum mechanics, quantum chemistry, solid state physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering. A tight collaboration with faculties from many departments provides an atmosphere of cross-disciplinarity for students and broadens their background.
