Mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics: nanoscience and nanotechnology

Abstract

A coherent overview of the exciting field and challenging areas of research in mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics is given. The unifying role of the S-matrix theory or “ input-quantum process-output” language of quantum mechanics in the formulation of quantum transport in mesoscopic physics and nanoelectronics is clarified, with time-independent S-matrix theory applied to mesoscopic systems and double-time-axis time-dependent S-matrix thoory, coupled with the lattice Weyl-Wigner formulation of quantum dynamics of electrons in solids, applied to the highly nonlinear, far-from-equilibrium and high-speed nanoelectronic devices. At steady state and near equilibrium, the two independent formulations yield equivalent results. The technological impact of the many-body quantum distribution-function (QDF) (typified by the Wigner distribution function) approach is demonstrated by a complete transition from the level of basic nonlinear quantum transport physics to an engineering computer-aided design tool for integrated circuits (ICs). This is done in the derivation of the equivalent circuit model for resonant tunneling devices which incorporates the quantum inductance. In this review, emphasis is given to major developments in quantum transport, computational nanoelectronics, new device concepts, and novel transport physical phenomena found in small structures, with potential device and IC applications and deemed most likely to have a significant impact on the future developments of nanoelectronics.