Welcome to Nano-Electronics (Mesoscopic Physics) at the University of Basel

We explore the electrical properties of devices and circuits with dimensions ranging from several micrometer (one thousands of a millimeter) down to one nanometer. At these dimensions quantum phenomena start play a dominat role. Electrons become extented objects with a wave character. Just as ordinary waves (e.g. water waves), electrons can interfere forming standing wave patterns. Such interference patterns are a direct manifestation of quantum behavior which can be visualized, for example with scanning-probe microscopes or by measuring the electrical resistance as a function of an external control parameter, such as the magnetic field.
Quantum interference is the basis for the formation of most of our matter in daily life. The reason that atoms bind together to form molecules or solid-state matter, such as gold for example, routes on quantum physics. It is the cooperative constructive interference of many electrons that forms the internal glue which keeps the matter together.
We explore these and other quantum effects in model structures ranging from lithographically defined devices down to single molecules.

Contact  Christian Schönenberger  for more information.