SDC – 2 Title: Computational Tools & Apps for the Modeling and Design of Nanodevices

Introduction

The main motivation for application of nanotechology is to define new functionalities and new concept devices, exploiting the unique features of nanostructured materials. To foster and unravel the unique potential of nanotechnology computational tools and applications are needed for educational purposes, as well as for design and analysis. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed. The goal of the competition is the development of compact educational computer software, to introduce students to the concepts related to nanotechnology, by implemented examples and tutorials. This software should run on laptops and tablet computers and be based on Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS 10.x, or Windows, from 7.x to most recent platforms.

Design Specifications and Rules

Modeling, of course, provides the appropriate basis for design. The bridge between nanosciences and the realized circuits can be achieved by using the engineering methodologies at our disposal. 

The goal is to develop an app for handheld devices or personal computers that could support instruction in the principles and uses of nanodevices but also apply to solve design problems. The goal of the competition is the development of compact educational computer-software, to introduce students to the concepts related to nanotechnology, by implemented examples and tutorials. This software should run on laptops and tablet computers and be based on Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS 10.x, or Windows from 7.x to most recent platforms.  

A wide range of applications and topics are allowed. Field-based as well as network-based applications may be considered. Some examples are given: 

      • Modelling of devices based on the coupled system of Maxwell’s and quantum transport equations.
      • Modelling of photonic crystals to enhance efficiency of thin Si solar cells.
      • Modelling and applications of surface plasmons in graphene and 2D materials.
      • Modelling of nano-antennas, or wireless optical power transfer between plasmonic nano-antennas.
      • Modelling of nano-electromechanical structures.
      • Modelling of nano-thermocouples based on the Seebeck effect considering electromagnetics and heat conduction.
      • Modelling of nano-optomechanical systems, moving boundaries, and phononic systems.
      • near-field microscopy with nanometric or sub-nanometric resolution.

Measurable Parameters

  1. Relevance to Nanotechnology: How well does the app incorporate nanotechnology and/or nanoelectronics concepts? Weight: 3. 
  2. Educational Value: How well does the app teach/demonstrate a nanotechnology and/or nanoelectronics concepts, principles or phenomena? How well is it suited as educational tool for the design of nanotechnology and/or nano-devices or systems? Weight: 3. 
  3. Graphical User Interface and Level of Sophistication: How intuitive and visually appealing is the interface and how effective is it in accommodating users of different levels of experience with the phenomena or method and the microwave principles involved? Weight: 2. 
  4. Robustness and versatility of the app. Weight: 2