Materials Physics for Nano and Quantum Technology

Overview

The importance of advanced materials in today’s technology is best exemplified by the highly purified semiconductor crystals that are the basis of the electronic age. Future implementations and applications of materials in electronics and photonics involve such subjects as nano-scale physics, molecular electronics and non-linear optics.

With support from internationally competitive research activities in materials physics at Linköping University, the Materials Physics for Nano and Quantum Technology programme has been established with distinct features that offer students high-level interdisciplinary education and training in fundamental solid state physics and materials science within the following areas:

• Electronic materials and devices

• Surface and nano-sciences

• Theory and modelling of materials

• Organic/molecular electronics and sensors.

The programme emphasises the comprehension of scientific principles and the development of personal and professional skills in solving practical engineering problems. Studies begin with mandatory courses, including nanotechnology, quantum mechanics, surface physics and the physics of condensed matter, in order to provide students with a solid knowledge foundation for modern materials science and nanotechnology. Moreover, through courses in experimental physics and analytical methods in materials science, students gain extensive training in operating the advanced instruments and equipment currently used in the research and development of new materials.

A variety of elective courses is offered from the second term onwards, many of them involving the use of cutting-edge technology. These courses give students a broad perspective of today’s materials science research and links to applications in semiconductor technology, optoelectronics, bioengineering (biocompatibility), chemical sensors and biosensors, and mechanical applications for high hardness and elasticity. Students will also be instructed through in-depth CDIO (Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate) project courses, to develop abilities in creative thinking and problem solving.

Students complete a thesis project in the area of materials science and nanotechnology, either with an in-house research group or the industry.

Career opportunities

The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills required for modern science and technology. Graduates will be prepared for careers within academia or the industry, in materials-related research and development. The research activities in materials science at Linköping University are strongly linked to cutting-edge technologies in the field. 

Therefore, the demand for talents in materials science and nanotechnology is large both in research institutes and industry. For example, wide-bandgap semiconductors, high-performance soft materials, as well as hybrid smart materials, are of great interest in Swedish and European industry.