Introduction to Nanomechanics (Fall 2010)

Overview

This course (not surprisingly) focuses on the mechanics of very
small objects. In particular, we will discuss the regime of
nanometer-scale objects where classical theory begins to break down
and quantum mechanical behavior emerges. After covering the
fundamentals of the field, we will study its most important results up
to and including contemporary work. We will emphasize the
experimental side of the field. We will highlight current
applications of nanomechanical devices in addition to speculating on
possible future applications. In particular, we will investigate the
use of micro- and nanomechanical resonators as ultrasensitive sensors
of force, mass, and displacement. The course will focus the
experimental rather than theoretical aspects of the field.

Format and Requirements

The course consists of one 2-hour lecture per week and one 1-hour
exercise session per week. Exercise sessions will be a forum for in
depth discussion of relevant papers, assigned exercises, and general
questions. A final report on an important experimental paper is
required (4-5 pages or 3000-5000 words). The course will be conducted
in English. The grading is pass/fail.

This course will be aimed at 3rd-year bachelor and master students
in physics and nanoscience. Physics III is a prerequisite. Previous
course-work in solid-state physics and statistical mechanics is
expected.

Most of the source material and reading in this class will be drawn
from original papers in scientific journals and will be provided in
class. Some reading will be based on short sections of Foundations
of Nanomechanics, A. N. Cleland (Springer, 2003)
and Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, F. Reif
(McGraw-Hill, 1965). Copies of these readings will be distributed in
class.