Electrons in Nanostructures

The strange behavior of electrons in metals or semiconductors at length scales below 1 micron, smaller than familiar macroscopic objects but larger than atoms. Ballistic transport, Coulomb blockade, localization, quantum mechanical interference, persistent currents, graphene, topological insulators, 1D wires. After a few background lectures, students come to each class session prepared to discuss one or more classic review articles or recent experimental publications.Prerequisite: undergraduate quantum mechanics and solid state physics preferred; physicists, engineers, chemists welcome.