December 6, 2024
Next quarter I am teaching a course in approaches and tools for modeling of nanostructural evolution and nanodevice behavior under the course number EE 539A (Topics in Solid State: Nanotechnology Modeling). The focus of the course will be on learning practical modeling approaches and applying them via powerful computational tools. Modeling approaches
will include density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), and Monte Carlo (MC), with links to continuum process and device modeling and particular emphasis on how these methods are coupled and can be used in complementary ways.
The class is intended for grad students or advanced undergrads in engineering, physics, and chemistry. The expected background for the class is basic statistical thermodynamics (free energy, state occupation) and basic quantum mechanics (particle in a box), which can
be based on any of a large range of courses in physics, chemistry or engineering (see web page http://dunham.ece.uw.edu/EE539N/ for examples).
There will be extensive opportunities for hands-on use of modern modeling tools. A major part of the class will be a project in which the methods and tools learned in the class are applied to a problem of your choosing (ideally from your research), so if you have been thinking of
adding a modeling component to your thesis, this would be an excellent way to get started.
The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:20 pm. For more
information, see the class Canvas page (https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1786156). Please register if you think you may be interested, as courses with insufficient enrollment are in
danger of being canceled.
–Scott Dunham (ECE, adjunct MSE and Physics)