MTE3545 - Functional materials and devices - 2019

Electrical and optical properties of materials - dielectrics, ferroelectrics, superconductors and optical fibres; magnetic properties - microscopic origin of magnetism in specific classes of materials, domains, magnet fabrication and applications; nanodevices which rely on the preceding properties, experimental techniques.

At the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Predict the magnetic moment for a given electron configuration by applying Hund's rules.
2. Formulate the coercivity of magnetic particles using the magnetic anisotropy and magneto-static energy terms.
3. Describe the temperature dependence of spontaneous magnetisation based on the mean field theory.
4. Describe the effect of nanoscale grain refinement on magnetic properties.
5. Discuss functional nanomaterials with respect to their synthesis, properties, characterisation and application.
6. Discuss novel generations of organic electronic materials and their application in electronic and optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, transistors and light emitting diodes.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Assignments: 10%

Laboratory work: 30%

Examination (2 hours): 60%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Three 1-hour lecture/applied classes and 7 hours of private study per week, and four 5-hours laboratory classes during the semester.

See also Unit timetable information

Materials science