Fundamentals of Current Flow from edX

Very different from what is taught in standard courses, "Fundamentals of Current Flow" provides a unified conceptual framework for ballistic and diffusive transport of both electrons and phonons - essential information for understanding nanoelectronic devices.

The traditional description of electronic motion through a solid is based on diffusive transport, which means that the electron takes a random walk from the source to the drain of a transistor, for example. However, modern nanoelectronic devices often have channel lengths comparable to a mean free path so that electrons travel ballistically, or "like a bullet."

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Nanoscience and Technology MicroMasters ®

Fundamentals of Current Flow is one course in a growing suite of unique, 1-credit-hour short courses developed in an edX/Purdue University collaboration. Students may elect to pursue a verified certificate for this specific course alone or as one of the six courses needed for the edX/Purdue MicroMasters® program in Nanoscience and Technology.

For further information and other courses offered, see the Nanoscience and Technology MicroMasters® page. Courses like this can also apply toward a Purdue University MSECE degree for students accepted into the full master’s program.

What you'll learn

Ballistic and diffusive conductance
Density of states
Number of modes
Conductivity
Landauer formula

What's inside

Learning objectives

Ballistic and diffusive conductance
Density of states
Number of modes

Conductivity
Landauer formula

Ballistic and diffusive conductance
Density of states
Number of modes
Conductivity
Landauer formula

Syllabus

Week 2: The New Perspective (Continued)

Week 3: Energy Band Model

Week 4: Energy Band Model (Continued)

Week 5: What and Where is the Voltage

Epilog: Looking Forward-From Semiclassical to Quantum; Bonus Lectures; NOT covered on exams

The manuscript will be available for download on the course's website.

Week 1: The New Perspective1.1 Introduction1.2 Two Key Concepts1.3 Why Electrons Flow1.4 Conductance Formula1.5 Ballistic (B) Conductance

1.6 Diffusive (D) Conductance1.7 Connecting B to D1.8 Angular Averaging1.9 Drude Formula1.10 Summing Up

2.1. Introduction2.2. E(p) or E(k) Relation2.3. Counting States2.4. Density of States2.5. Number of Modes

2.6. Electron Density (n)2.7. Conductivity vs. n2.8 - 2.9 Bonus Lectures; NOT covered on exams2.10 Summing Up

3.1 Introduction3.2 A New Boundary Condition3.3 Quasi-Fermi Levels (QFL's)3.4 Current from QFL's3.5 Landauer Formulas3.6 - 3.10 Bonus Lectures; NOT covered on exams

Text: S. Datta, "Lessons from Nanoelectronics", Part A: Basic Concepts,World Scientific, Second Edition 2017

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Teaches cutting-edge insights on current flow that go beyond the standard treatment

Examines the fundamentals of current flow, which are key to understanding nanoelectronic devices

Provides a solid understanding of ballistic and diffusive transport for both electrons and phonons

Explores the connection between ballistic and diffusive conductance

Introduces the density of states, number of modes, conductivity, and Landauer formula

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Current Flow will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, and improve existing materials. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Materials Scientists because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical properties of materials.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. They work on a variety of projects, including power generation, transmission, and distribution; communications systems; and industrial machinery. Fundamentals of Current Flow can be useful for Electrical Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the flow of electrons in electrical circuits.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test machines and other mechanical systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Mechanical Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in many mechanical systems.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems for managing industrial production and operations. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Industrial Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in many industrial processes.

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Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, develop, and test computer systems and software. They work in a variety of industries, including information technology, healthcare, and finance. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Computer Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in computers.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They work in a variety of industries, including energy, healthcare, and research. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Nuclear Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in nuclear power plants.

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Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, and medical equipment. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Electronics Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in electronic devices.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and other chemical processes. They work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Chemical Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in chemical plants.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They work in a variety of industries, including aviation, space exploration, and defense. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Aerospace Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in aircraft and spacecraft.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, and government. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Civil Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in infrastructure.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and test medical devices and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Biomedical Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in medical devices.

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Geological Engineer

Geological Engineers study the earth's geology and apply their knowledge to solve problems related to the environment, energy, and natural resources. They work in a variety of industries, including mining, oil and gas, and environmental consulting. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Geological Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in geological exploration and monitoring.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, develop, and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work in a variety of industries, including government, consulting, and research. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Environmental Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in environmental monitoring and control systems.

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Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design, develop, and operate oil and gas wells. They work in a variety of industries, including oil and gas exploration and production, and oil and gas refining. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Petroleum Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in oil and gas drilling and production.

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Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers design, develop, and operate mines. They work in a variety of industries, including mining, metals, and construction. Fundamentals of Current Flow may be useful for Mining Engineers because it provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the electrical systems that are used in mining operations.

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Fundamentals of Current Flow

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