Spring semester 2026

last updated Feb 16, 2026
 

Overview: 
Introduction to the physics of charges and spins in nanostructures probed by electronic transport measurements at low temperatures, 
aiming at spintronics, quantum information processing, and novel quantum states of matter. Quantum physics in 2D, 1D and 0D.
The course will mainly focus on experiments, but will inevitably discuss some rudimentary condensed matter theory.

Lectures Tuesdays, 16:00-18:00, room alter HS2
Exercises Thursday, 11:00-12:30, room 1.09

Mainly for masters (or PhD) students in nanoscience and physics. Physics III and condensed matter physics lecture is a prerequisite. 6th semester bachelor students are also allowed to take the class. 

Credit points: 2 credit points lecture and (optional) 2 credit points exercises. Lecture is two hours per week, final presentation with number grade 1-6. The exercises (pass/fail) will consist of 3-4 problem sets and reading of a series of scientific publications relevant to class, meeting one to two hours per week where papers discussed by the students in depth.

The purpose of this lecture is to introduce the class to the physics of quantum transport in electronic nanostructures aiming at spintronics, quantum computation, and novel quantum states of matter. The course will mainly focus on experiments, but will inevitably discuss some condensed matter theory.

The structure will be a combination of lectures on my part to introduce the basics and subsequent presentations done by students towards the end of the semester on topics that can be chosen by students from a selection. There will be 3-4 problem sets, and moderate amounts of reading assignments in weeks without problem sets as preparation for lectures. The class grade will be based on the presentation given by each student taking the class for credit (presentation toward the end of the semester during class). Sit-ins/students auditing the class (not for credit) are also welcome.

Entry in course book of the University.

Lecture Schedule and Content, FS 2026 (tentative):

1. Introduction to Quantum Transport
2. Boltzmann Transport Theory (diffusive transport)
3. Landauer Büttiker Theory (ballistic transport, quantum point contact, Hall effec...)
4. Quantum Interference Effects (coherent transport)
5. Single-Electron Effects (Coulomb blockade in metalic nanosystems)
6. Noise and Fluctuations in general
6. Quantum Dot Physics
7. Graphene and Other Novel Materials (e.g. topological insulators
 

Exercise Schedule , FS 2026:

List of possible topics and the presentation schedule will be organised and communicated in the lectures.

Projects and Presentations, FS26:

Presentations should be no longer than about 20 to 25 minutes, plus 5 to 10 minutes for questions. 
Goal of the presentation is to explain to your fellow classmates the topic you have chosen 
as clearly and as concisely as possible while keeping a critical attitude towards the reported research.
List of available topics (below) might be modified / adapted, but will vaguely consist of the topics listed below.

Topics with more than one article: 
choose one article for in-depth presentation, mention highlights of other paper(s). 

Literature:

"The Physics of Nanoelectronics" by Tero T. Heikkilä, Oxford Master Series in Condensed Matter Physics.

"Quantum Transport" by Supriyo Datta, Cambridge Univ. Press.

"Quantum Transport" by Yuli Nazarov and Yaroslav Blanter, Cambridge Univ. press.