2020-2021 / PHYS3037-1

Nanofabrication : principles and techniques

Duration

25h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS) (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS) (FAME+)4 crédits 
 Master in physics (120 ECTS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics (120 ECTS) (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics (120 ECTS) (FAME+)4 crédits 
 Master in physics (60 ECTS)4 crédits 

Lecturer

Ngoc Duy Nguyen, Alejandro Silhanek

Coordinator

Ngoc Duy Nguyen

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of nanofabrication. It consists of two parts, detailed as follows:

PART I - Nanolithography
1. Photolithography
2. Electron beam lithography
3. Focused ion beam - dual beam
4. Other techniques

PART II - Material synthesis at the nanoscale
1. Surface adsorption and growth mechanisms
2. Physical vapour deposition
3. Chemical vapour deposition
4. Etching processes

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

As result of this teaching, students will acquire the following competences and skills:
* To integrate processes of micro- and nanoscale device fabrication in view of realizing particular devices,
* To make use of nanofabrication design tools,
* To perform micro- and nanofabrication process steps in a clean room environment,
* To characterize the micro- and nanosystems at the different steps using the tools available at the NanoFab platform of ULiège.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic concepts in solid-state materials physics and/or chemistry are necessary. Bachelor-degree experience in laboratory works is necessary. A noticeable inclination for cooking at home is an asset.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theoretical concepts related to the processes involved in nanofabrication will be exposed during oral lectures following the table of contents described above. Practical laboratory work will be performed as direct applications to these concepts and will be organized following the scheme described below,
Lab-1 (2h): SEM visualization
Lab-2 (2h): ELPHY/KLayout/Ledit Pattern generator
Lab-3 (3h): Spin coating + backing + dose test + development + analysis
Lab-4 (2h): Material synthesis by rf magnetron sputtering
Lab-5 (2h): Metallization by electron beam evaporation and lift-off
Lab-6 (4h): Characterization and analysis (surface morphology, device topography, electrical transport and magnetic properties)
The acquired competencies and skills will be applied to the design and fabrication of a particular device. This project will be performed in groups with the support of bibliographical resources and with the assistance of the tutors.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Lectures on theoretical concepts will be given by the tutors face-to-face. Practical works will be performed by the students in the laboratories with the guidance of lab assistants and tutors.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

If required by the sanitary conditions, the experimental project can be wholly or partially replaced by an alternative activity, either at the individual or group level, such as the analysis of a published work on a particular chosen topic. In such a case, the evaluation will consist in the presentation of that analysis remotely by videoconference.

Recommended or required readings

List of useful references :
* Nanofabrication - Techniques and Principles, M. Stepanova and S. Dew, Editors, Springer 2012 (ISBN 978-3-7091-0423-1 e-ISBN 978-3-7091-0424-8 DOI 10.1007/978-3-7091-0424-8)
* The Materials Science of Thin Films, M. Ohring, Academic Press 1992, ISBN0-12-524990-X

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam

- Remote

oral exam AND written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

The evaluation will consist, on one hand, of a final report of three pages, which follows the style of a scientific publication, taking into account the assessment by lab assistants and teachers regarding the work of the students over the semester, and, on the other hand, of an oral presentation of the lab project.

Work placement(s)

None.

Organizational remarks

Course material and resources are available on eCampus.

Contacts

Tutors:
Prof. A. V. Silhanek (asilhanek@uliege.be)
Prof. N. D. Nguyen (ngocduy.nguyen@uliege.be)