Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Physics Master Information
Electives
General Electives
Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from the Compulsory Electives in Humanities, Social and Political Sciences are not eligible here.
The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration Office (Link) after having received the credits.)
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
227-1046-00LComputer Simulations of Sensory Systems Information W3 credits2V + 1UT. Haslwanter
AbstractThis course deals with computer simulations of the human auditory, visual, and balance system. The lecture will cover the physiological and mechanical mechanisms of these sensory systems. And in the exercises, the simulations will be implemented with Python (or Matlab). The simulations will be such that their output could be used as input for actual neuro-sensory prostheses.
ObjectiveOur sensory systems provide us with information about what is happening in the world surrounding us. Thereby they transform incoming mechanical, electromagnetic, and chemical signals into “action potentials”, the language of the central nervous system.
The main goal of this lecture is to describe how our sensors achieve these transformations, how they can be reproduced with computational tools. For example, our auditory system performs approximately a “Fourier transformation” of the incoming sound waves; our early visual system is optimized for finding edges in images that are projected onto our retina; and our balance system can be well described with a “control system” that transforms linear and rotational movements into nerve impulses.
In the exercises that go with this lecture, we will use Python to reproduce the transformations achieved by our sensory systems. The goal is to write programs whose output could be used as input for actual neurosensory prostheses: such prostheses have become commonplace for the auditory system, and are under development for the visual and the balance system. For the corresponding exercises, at least some basic programing experience is required.
ContentThe following topics will be covered:
• Introduction into the signal processing in nerve cells.
• Introduction into Python.
• Simplified simulation of nerve cells (Hodgkins-Huxley model).
• Description of the auditory system, including the application of Fourier transforms on recorded sounds.
• Description of the visual system, including the retina and the information processing in the visual cortex. The corresponding exercises will provide an introduction to digital image processing.
• Description of the mechanics of our balance system, and the “Control System”-language that can be used for an efficient description of the corresponding signal processing (essentially Laplace transforms and control systems).
Lecture notesFor each module additional material will be provided on the e-learning platform "moodle". The main content of the lecture is also available as a wikibook, under Link
LiteratureOpen source information is available as wikibook Link

For good overviews I recommend:
• L. R. Squire, D. Berg, F. E. Bloom, Lac S. du, A. Ghosh, and N. C. Spitzer. Fundamental Neuroscience, Academic Press - Elsevier, 2012 [ISBN: 9780123858702].
This book covers the biological components, from the functioning of an individual ion channels through the various senses, all the way to consciousness. And while it does not cover the computational aspects, it nevertheless provides an excellent overview of the underlying neural processes of sensory systems.

• Principles of Neural Science (5th Ed, 2012), by Eric Kandel, James Schwartz, Thomas Jessell, Steven Siegelbaum, A.J. Hudspeth
ISBN 0071390111 / 9780071390118
The standard textbook on neuroscience.

• P Wallisch, M Lusignan, M. Benayoun, T. I. Baker, A. S. Dickey, and N. G. Hatsopoulos. MATLAB for Neuroscientists, Academic Press, 2009.
Compactly written, it provides a short introduction to MATLAB, as well as a very good overview of MATLAB’s functionality, focusing on applications in different areas of neuroscience.

• G. Mather. Foundations of Sensation and Perception, 2nd Ed Psychology Press, 2009 [ISBN: 978-1-84169-698-0 (hardcover), oder 978-1-84169-699-7 (paperback)]
A coherent, up-to-date introduction to the basic facts and theories concerning human sensory perception.
Prerequisites / NoticeSince I have to gravel from Linz, Austria, to Zurich to give this lecture, I plan to hold this lecture in blocks (every 2nd week).
465-0952-00LMedical OpticsW3 credits2VM. Frenz, M. Mrochen
AbstractThe lecture introduces the principles of generation, propagation and detection of light and its therapeutic and diagnostic application in medicine.
ObjectiveThe lecture provides knowledge about light sources and light delivery systems, optical biomedical imaging techniques, optical measurement technologies and their specific applications in medicine. Different selected optical systems used in diagnostics and therapy will be discussed.
ContentOptics always was strongly connected to the observation and interpretation of physiological phenomenon. The basic knowledge of optics for example was initially gained by studying the function of the human eye. Nowadays, biomedical optics is an independent research field that is no longer restricted to the observation of physiological processes but studies diagnostic and therapeutic problems in medicine. A basic prerequisite for applying optical techniques in medicine is the understanding of the physical properties of light, the light propagation in and its interaction with tissue. The lecture gives inside into the generation, propagation and detection of light, its propagation in tissue and into selected optical applications in medicine. Various optical imaging techniques (optical coherence tomography or optoacoustics) as well as therapeutic laser applications (refractive surgery, photodynamic therapy or nanosurgery) will be discussed.
Lecture noteswill be provided via Internet
Literature- M. Born, E. Wolf, "Principles of Optics", Pergamon Press
- B.E.A. Saleh, M.C. Teich, "Fundamentals of Photonics", John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
- O. Svelto, "Principles of Lasers", Plenum Press
- J. Eichler, T. Seiler, "Lasertechnik in der Medizin", Springer Verlag
- M.H. Niemz, "Laser-Tissue Interaction", Springer Verlag
- A.J. Welch, M.J.C. van Gemert, "Optical-thermal response of laser-irradiated tissue", Plenum Press
Prerequisites / NoticeLanguage of instruction: German or English by agreement
151-0160-00LNuclear Energy SystemsW4 credits2V + 1US. Hirschberg, H.‑M. Prasser, I. Günther-Leopold, W. Hummel, T. Williams, P. K. Zuidema
AbstractNuclear energy and sustainability, Nuclear fuel production, energy and materials balance of Nuclear Power Plants, Fuel and spent fuel handling, Fuel reprocessing, Radioactive waste disposal, Environmental impact of radiation releases.
ObjectiveStudents get an overview on the physical fundamentals, the technological processes and the environmental impact of the full energy conversion chain of nuclear power generation. The are enabled to assess to potentials and risks arising from embedding nuclear power in a complex energy system.
ContentMethods to measure the sustainability of energy systems will be presented, nuclear energy is analysed concerning its sustainability and compared to other energy sources. The environmental impact of the nuclear energy system as a whole is discussed, including the question of CO2 emissions, CO2 reduction costs, radioactive releases from the power plant, the fuel chain and the final disposal. The material balance of different fuel cycles with thermal and fast reactors is examined. A survey on the geological origin of nuclear fuel, uranium mining, refinement, enrichment and fuel rod fabrication processes is given. Methods of fuel reprocessing including modern developments of deep partitioning as well as methods to treat and minimize the amount and radiotoxicity of nuclear waste are described. The project of final disposals for radioactive waste in Switzerland is presented.
Lecture notesThe script will be handed out
151-0156-00LSafety of Nuclear Power Plants Information W4 credits2V + 1UH.‑M. Prasser, V. Dang, L. Podofillini
AbstractKnowledge about safety concepts and requirements of nuclear power plants and their implementation in deterministic safety concepts and safety systems. Knowledge about behavior under accident conditions and about the methods of probabilistic risk analysis and how to handle results. Basics on health effects of ionizing radiation, radiation protection. Introduction of advanced nuclear systems.
ObjectivePrepare students for a deep understanding of safety requirements, concepts and system of nuclear power plants, providing deterministic and probabilistic methods for safety analysis, equiping students with necessary knowledge in the field of nuclear safety recearch, nuclear power plant operation and regulatory activities. Learning about key elements of future nuclear systems.
ContentPhysical basics, functioning and safety properties of nuclear power plants, safety concepts and their implementation into system requirements and system design, design basis accident and severe accident scenarios and related physical phenomena, methods of probabilistic risk analysis (PRA level 1,2,3) as well as representation and assessment of results; lessons from experienced accidents, health effects of ionizing radiation, legal exposure limits, radiation protection; advanced active and passive safety systems, safety of innovative reactor concepts.
Lecture notesHand-outs will be distributed
LiteratureKröger, W., Chan, S.-L., Reflexions on Current and Future Nuclear Safety, atw 51 (2006), p.458-469
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Recommended in advance (not binding): 151-0163-00L Nuclear Energy Conversion and 151-0153-00L "Reliability of Technical Systems".
151-0166-00LSpecial Topics in Reactor PhysicsW4 credits3GS. Pelloni, P. Grimm, K. Mikityuk, A. Pautz, A. Vasiliev
AbstractReactor physics calculations for assessing the performance and safety of nuclear power plants are, in practice, carried out using large computer codes simulating different key phenomena. This course builds on the introductory neutronics course for Nuclear Engineering students and provides a basis for understanding state-of-the-art calculational methodologies in the above context.
ObjectiveStudents are introduced to advanced aspects of neutronics analysis, radiation transport calculations and reactor dynamics, in the context of current-day and future nuclear power plant systems.
ContentNeutron transport theory and light water reactor (LWR) lattice calculations. LWR core modeling. Reactor shielding. Fast reactor neutronics and Perturbation theory. Multi-physics, coupled calculations for reactor dynamics. Generation IV fast reactor systems. Plutonium management in LWRs. Neutronics experiments for reactor physics code validation.
Lecture notesHand-outs will be distributed
LiteratureChapters from various text books on Reactor Theory, Fast Reactors, etc.
151-1906-00LMultiphase Flow Information W4 credits3GP. Rudolf von Rohr, H.‑M. Prasser
AbstractBasics in multiphase flow systems,, mainly gas-liquid, is presented in this course. An introduction summarizes the characteristics of multi phase flows, some theoretical models are discussed. Following we focus on pipe flow, film and bubbly/droplet flow. Finally specific measuring methods are shown and a summary of the CFD models for multiphases is presented.
ObjectiveThis course contributes to a deep understanding of complex multiphase systems and allows to predict multiphase conditions to design appropriate systems/apparatus. Actual examples and new developments are presented.
ContentThe course gives an overview on following subjects: Basics in multiphase systems, pipeflow, films, bubbles and bubble columns, droplets, measuring techniques, multiphase flow in microsystems, numerical procedures with multiphase flows.
Lecture notesLecturing notes are available (copy of slides or a german script) partly in english
LiteratureSpecial literature is recommended for each chapter.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course builds on the basics in fluidmechanics.
151-0532-00LNonlinear Dynamics and Chaos I Information W4 credits2V + 1UD. Karrasch, G. Haller
AbstractBasic facts about nonlinear systems; stability and near-equilibrium dynamics; bifurcations; dynamical systems on the plane; non-autonomous dynamical systems; chaotic dynamics.
ObjectiveThis course is intended for Masters and Ph.D. students in engineering sciences, physics and applied mathematics who are interested in the behavior of nonlinear dynamical systems. It offers an introduction to the qualitative study of nonlinear physical phenomena modeled by differential equations or discrete maps. We discuss applications in classical mechanics, electrical engineering, fluid mechanics, and biology. A more advanced Part II of this class is offered every other year.
Content(1) Basic facts about nonlinear systems: Existence, uniqueness, and dependence on initial data.

(2) Near equilibrium dynamics: Linear and Lyapunov stability

(3) Bifurcations of equilibria: Center manifolds, normal forms, and elementary bifurcations

(4) Nonlinear dynamical systems on the plane: Phase plane techniques, limit sets, and limit cycles.

(5) Time-dependent dynamical systems: Floquet theory, Poincare maps, averaging methods, resonance
Lecture notesThe class lecture notes will be posted electronically after each lecture. Students should not rely on these but prepare their own notes during the lecture.
Prerequisites / Notice- Prerequisites: Analysis, linear algebra and a basic course in differential equations.

- Exam: two-hour written exam in English.

- Homework: A homework assignment will be due roughly every other week. Hints to solutions will be posted after the homework due dates.
151-0530-00LNonlinear Dynamics and Chaos II Information
Does not take place this semester.
The course will take place in FS16 again
W4 credits3GG. Haller
AbstractThe internal structure of chaos; Hamiltonian dynamical systems; Normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds; Geometric singular perturbation theory; Finite-time dynamical systems
ObjectiveThe course introduces the student to advanced, comtemporary concepts of nonlinear dynamical systems analysis.
ContentI. The internal structure of chaos: symbolic dynamics, Bernoulli shift map, sub-shifts of finite type; chaos is numerical iterations.

II.Hamiltonian dynamical systems: conservation and recurrence, stability of fixed points, integrable systems, invariant tori, Liouville-Arnold-Jost Theorem, KAM theory.

III. Normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds: Crash course on differentiable manifolds, existence, persistence, and smoothness, applications.
IV. Geometric singular perturbation theory: slow manifolds and their stability, physical examples. V. Finite-time dynamical system; detecting Invariant manifolds and coherent structures in finite-time flows
Lecture notesStudents have to prepare their own lecture notes
LiteratureBooks will be recommended in class
Prerequisites / NoticeNonlinear Dynamics I (151-0532-00) or equivalent
401-0686-10LHigh Performance Computing for Science and Engineering (HPCSE) for Engineers II Information W4 credits4GM. Troyer, P. Koumoutsakos
Abstract
Objective
327-5103-00LNonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics Information W4 credits2V + 2UH. C. Öttinger
AbstractFoundations of nonequilbrium statistical mechanics based on a unified approach, including projection-operator method, linear response theory, fluctuation-dissipation theorem, kinetic theory of gases, Boltzmann's equation, Chapman-Enskog Method, Grad's Moment Expansion, kinetic theory of polymeric liquids, simulation techniques (Monte Carlo, Brownian dynamics, molecular dynamics)
ObjectiveTo provide, illustrate, and practice the thermodynamic recipes for bridging length and time scales in nonequilibrium systems, including an overview of the roles of various simulation techniques
Content1. Projection-Operator Method: Notation of Classical Mechanics, Ensembles, Projection Operators, Atomistic Expressions, Exact Time-Evolution Equation, Markovian Approximation, Linear Response Theory, Probability Density Approach, Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem, Relationship Between Coarse-Grained Levels, Quantum Systems
2. Kinetic Theory of Gases: Elementary Kinetic Theory, Mean Free Path, Transport Coefficients, Boltzmann's Equation, Differential Cross Section for Collisions, Projection-Operator Approach, Chapman-Enskog Method, Grad's Moment Expansion, Thirteen-Moment Expansion, Structured Moment Method
3. Simulations: Simulation Philosophy, Understanding Through Simplicity, Overview over Simulation Techniques, Monte Carlo Simulations, Markov Chains, Detailed Balance, Brownian Dynamics, Stochastic Differential Equations, Dilute Polymer Solutions, Molecular Dynamics, Expressions for the Friction Matrix, Verlet-Type Integrators, Rarefied Len¬nard-Jones Gas, Entangled Polymer Melts
Lecture notesThe course is based on the book "Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics"
Literature1. H. C. Öttinger, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics (Wiley, New York, 2005)
2. R. Kubo, M. Toda, and N. Hashitsume, Statistical Physics II: Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics (Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1985)
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is part of the area of specialization Materials Modeling and Simulation of the master degree program in Materials Science. The course relies on the previous course Nonequilibrium Systems offered in the fall semester or on the corresponding chapters of the book "Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics".
327-0506-00LMaterials PhysicsW2 credits2V + 1UP. Gambardella, B. Schönfeld
AbstractExtended concepts of material physics and analytical description of material properties.
ObjectiveBuilding on the lectures 'Basic Materials Physics B' this course aims to give a deepened physical understanding of Materials Science.
ContentPart 1:
1.1 Thermal vacancies and diffusion
1.2 Nucleation and growth; diffusion-controlled and diffusion-less phase transitions
Part 2:
2.1 Dielectric materials
2.2 Optical properties of materials
2.3 Magnetic materials
2.4 Superconductivity
Lecture notesSee Link
LiteraturePart 1:
- Jean Philibert, 'Atom movements - Diffusion and mass transport in solids' (Les editions de physique, 1991).
- Gernot Kostorz (Editor), 'Phase Transformations in Materials' (Wiley-VCH, 2001).
- Peter Haasen, 'Physical Metallurgy' (Cambridge Univ. Press; ISBN: 0521559251).

Part 2:
- H. Ibach, H. Lüth, Solid-State Physics, 'An Introduction to Principles of Materials Science' (Springer 2009).
- J. D. Livingston, 'Electronic Properties of Engineering Materials' (Wiley, 1999).
Prerequisites / NoticeGrundlagen der Materialphysik B
327-2222-00LFundamentals of Soft MaterialsW2 credits2VL. Isa
AbstractThis course consists of a series of lectures, each focusing on a specific fundamental concept previously encountered by the student during basic courses, and on its direct relevance for soft materials and their applications (e.g. colloidal crystals, dense suspensions, emulsions, foams and liquid crystals).
ObjectiveSoft materials, such as complex fluids, polymers, liquid crystals, foams etc. are of paramount importance in many technological applications and consumer products. Additionally, they also work as "open laboratories", where basic phenomena, normally studied at the atomic or molecular length and time scales, can be easily and directly observed at the micro and nanoscale.
The aim of this course is to offer the student the possibility to connect fundamental concepts (e.g. entropy or thermodynamic equilibrium), which too often stay as abstract constructions, to direct examples of soft materials. At the end of the course the student will have acquired advanced knowledge of soft matter systems and strengthened his/her background in basic physics and physical chemistry.
ContentEach lecture will be divided into two parts. In the first part a specific concept will be introduced and discussed. In the second part the implications for soft materials will be presented, often with practical demonstration in the class.
Examples are:
- Entropy and phase transitions; application to colloidal crystals.
- Thermodynamics versus kinetics; application to Pickering emulsions.
- Excluded volume; application to liquid crystals.
The detailed series will be presented at the beginning of the course.
Lecture notesNotes will be handed out during the lectures and published online before each lecture.
LiteratureProvided in the lecture notes.
Prerequisites / NoticePre-existing notions of physics, thermodynamics, physical chemistry and statistical mechanics are necessary
327-5102-00LMolecular and Materials Modelling Information W4 credits2V + 2UJ. VandeVondele, D. Passerone
Abstract"Molecular and Materials Modelling" introduces the basic techniques to interpret experiments with contemporary atomistic simulation. These techniques include force fields or density functional theory (DFT) based molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo. Structural and electronic properties, thermodynamic and kinetic quantities, and various spectroscopies will be simulated for nanoscale systems.
ObjectiveThe ability to select a suitable atomistic approach to model a nanoscale system, and to employ a simulation package to compute quantities providing a theoretically sound explanation of a given experiment. This includes knowledge of empirical force fields and insight in electronic structure theory, in particular density functional theory (DFT). Understanding the advantages of Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics (MD), and how these simulation methods can be used to compute various static and dynamic material properties. Basic understanding on how to simulate different spectroscopies (IR, STM, X-ray, UV/VIS). Performing a basic computational experiment: interpreting the experimental input, choosing theory level and model approximations, performing the calculations, collecting and representing the results, discussing the comparison to the experiment.
Lecture notesA script will be made available.
LiteratureD. Frenkel and B. Smit, Understanding Molecular Simulations, Academic Press, 2002.

M. P. Allen and D.J. Tildesley, Computer Simulations of Liquids, Oxford University Press 1990.

Andrew R. Leach, Molecular Modelling, principles and applications, Pearson, 2001
529-0442-00LAdvanced KineticsW6 credits3GH. J. Wörner
AbstractThis lecture covers the quantum-dynamical foundations of chemical reaction kinetics and introduces the experimental methods of time-resolved molecular spectroscopy.
ObjectiveThis lecture provides the conceptual foundations of chemical reaction dynamics and shows how primary molecular processes can be studied experimentally.
ContentQuantum dynamics of molecules as primary process of chemical reactions: multilevel quantum beats, quantum scattering, autoionization, predissociation, non-radiative transitions. Foundations of statistical mechanics, Pauli equations, microcanonical equilibrium and entropy. Energy levels and kinetics of polyatomic molecules, relaxation and irreversibility. Generalized transition state theory of chemical reactions, statistical adiabatic channel model, variational transition state theory.
Survey of advanced experimental techniques for the study of chemical reactions (time resolved spectroscopies on pico- to attosecond time scales, molecular beam methods). Photochemical reactions and photochemical primary processes. Advanced applications to simple and complex molecular systems and to biological problems.
Lecture notesWill be available online.
LiteratureD. J. Tannor, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: A Time-Dependent Perspective
R. D. Levine, Molecular Reaction Dynamics
S. Mukamel, Principles of Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy
Z. Chang, Fundamentals of Attosecond Optics
Prerequisites / Notice529-0422-00L Physical Chemistry II: Chemical Reaction Dynamics
529-0434-00LPhysical Chemistry V: Spectroscopy Information W4 credits3GR. Signorell
AbstractAbsorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation; transition probabilities, rate equations; Einstein coefficients and lasers; selection rules and symmetry; band shape, energy transfer, and broadening mechanisms; atomic spectroscopy; molecular spectroscopy: vibration and rotation; spectroscopy of clusters, nanoparticles and condensed phases
ObjectiveThe lecture is devoted to atomic, molecular, and condensed phase spectroscopy treating both theoretical and experimental aspects. The focus is on the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter.
ContentAbsorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation; transition probabilities, rate equations; Einstein coefficients and lasers; selection rules and symmetry; band shape, energy transfer, and broadening mechanisms; atomic spectroscopy; molecular spectroscopy: vibration and rotation; spectroscopy of clusters, nanoparticles and condensed phases
Lecture notesis partly available
529-0440-00LPhysical Electrochemistry and ElectrocatalysisW6 credits3GT. Schmidt
AbstractFundamentals of electrochemistry, electrochemical electron transfer, electrochemical processes, electrochemical kinetics, electrocatalysis, surface electrochemistry, electrochemical energy conversion processes and introcuction into the technologies (e.g., fuel cell, electrolysis), electrochemical methods (e.g., voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), mass transport.
ObjectiveProviding an overview and in-depth understanding of Fundamentals of electrochemistry, electrochemical electron transfer, electrochemical processes, electrochemical kinetics, electrocatalysis, surface electrochemistry, electrochemical energy conversion processes (fuel cell, electrolysis), electrochemical methods and mass transport during electrochemical reactions. The students will learn about the importance of electrochemical kinetics and its relation to industrial electrochemical processes and in the energy seactor.
ContentReview of electrochemical thermodynamics, description electrochemical kinetics, Butler-Volmer equation, Tafel kinetics, simple electrochemical reactions, electron transfer, Marcus Theory, fundamentals of electrocatalysis, elementary reaction processes, rate-determining steps in electrochemical reactions, practical examples and applications specifically for electrochemical energy conversion processes, introduction to electrochemical methods, mass transport in electrochemical systems. Introsuction to fuel cells and electrolysis
Lecture notesWill be handed out during the Semester
LiteraturePhysical Electrochemistry, E. Gileadi, Wiley VCH
Electrochemical Methods, A. Bard/L. Faulkner, Wiley-VCH
Modern Electrochemistry 2A - Fundamentals of Electrodics, J. Bockris, A. Reddy, M. Gamboa-Aldeco, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
227-0948-00LMagnetic Resonance Imaging in MedicineW4 credits3GS. Kozerke, M. Weiger Senften
AbstractIntroduction to magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, encoding and contrast mechanisms and their application in medicine.
ObjectiveUnderstand the basic principles of signal generation, image encoding and decoding, contrast manipulation and the application thereof to assess anatomical and functional information in-vivo.
ContentIntroduction to magnetic resonance imaging including basic phenomena of nuclear magnetic resonance; 2- and 3-dimensional imaging procedures; fast and parallel imaging techniques; image reconstruction; pulse sequences and image contrast manipulation; equipment; advanced techniques for identifying activated brain areas; perfusion and flow; diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking; contrast agents; localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging; diagnostic applications and applications in research.
Lecture notesD. Meier, P. Boesiger, S. Kozerke
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (2012)
227-0116-00LVLSI I: From Architectures to VLSI Circuits and FPGAs Information W7 credits5GH. Kaeslin, N. Felber
AbstractThis first course in a series that extends over three consecutive terms is concerned with tailoring algorithms and with devising high performance hardware architectures for their implementation as ASIC or with FPGAs. The focus is on front end design using HDLs and automatic synthesis for producing industrial-quality circuits.
ObjectiveUnderstand Very-Large-Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSI chips), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), and Field-Programmable Gate-Arrays (FPGA). Know their organization and be able to identify suitable application areas. Become fluent in front-end design from architectural conception to gate-level netlists. How to model digital circuits with VHDL or SystemVerilog. How to ensure they behave as expected with the aid of simulation, testbenches, and assertions. How to take advantage of automatic synthesis tools to produce industrial-quality VLSI and FPGA circuits. Gain practical experience with the hardware description language VHDL and with industrial Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.
ContentThis course is concerned with system-level issues of VLSI design and FPGA implementations. Topics include:
- Overview on design methodologies and fabrication depths.
- Levels of abstraction for circuit modeling.
- Organization and configuration of commercial field-programmable components.
- VLSI and FPGA design flows.
- Dedicated and general purpose architectures compared.
- How to obtain an architecture for a given processing algorithm.
- Meeting throughput, area, and power goals by way of architectural transformations.
- Hardware Description Languages (HDL) and the underlying concepts.
- VHDL and SystemVerilog compared.
- VHDL (IEEE standard 1076) for simulation and synthesis.
- A suitable nine-valued logic system (IEEE standard 1164).
- Register Transfer Level (RTL) synthesis and its limitations.
- Building blocks of digital VLSI circuits.
- Functional verification techniques and their limitations.
- Modular and largely reusable testbenches.
- Assertion-based verification.
- Synchronous versus asynchronous circuits.
- The case for synchronous circuits.
- Periodic events and the Anceau diagram.
- Case studies, ASICs compared to microprocessors, DSPs, and FPGAs.

During the exercises, students learn how to model digital ICs with VHDL. They write testbenches for simulation purposes and synthesize gate-level netlists for VLSI chips and FPGAs. Only commercial EDA software by leading vendors is being used.
Lecture notesTextbook and all further documents in English.
LiteratureH. Kaeslin: "Top-Down Digital VLSI Design, from Architectures to Gate-Level Circuits and FPGAs", Elsevier, 2014, ISBN 9780128007303.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites:
Basics of digital circuits.

Examination:
In written form following the course semester (spring term). Problems are given in English, answers will be accepted in either English oder German.

Further details:
Link
227-0148-00LVLSI III: Test and Fabrication of VLSI Circuits Information W6 credits4GN. Felber, H. Kaeslin
AbstractThis last course in our VLSI series is concerned with the manufacturing of integrated circuits (IC) in CMOS technology, with defects that may occur during the process, and ---above all--- with the methods and tools for detecting design flaws and fabrication defects.
ObjectiveKnow how to apply methods, software tools and equipment for designing testable VLSI circuits, for testing fabricated ICs, and for physical analysis in the occurrence of defective parts. A basic understanding of modern semiconductor technologies.
ContentThis final course in a series of three focusses on manufacturing, testing, physical analysis, and packaging of VLSI circuits. Future prospects of micro- and nanoelectronics are also being discussed. Topics include:
- Effects of fabrication defects.
- Abstraction from physical to transistor- and gate-level fault models.
- Fault grading in the occurrence of large ASICs.
- Generation of efficient test vector sets.
- Enhancement of testability with built-in self test.
- Organisation and application of automated test equipment.
- Physical analysis of devices.
- Packaging problems and solutions.
- Today's nanometer CMOS fabrication processes (HKMG).
- Optical and post optical Photolithography.
- Potential alternatives to CMOS technology and MOSFET devices.
- Evolution paths for design methodology.
- Industrial roadmaps for the future evolution of semiconductor technology (ITRS).

Exercises teach students how to use CAE/CAD software and automated equipment for testing ASICs after fabrication. Students that have submitted a design for manufacturing at the end of the 7th term do so on their own circuits. Physical analysis methods with professional equipment (AFM, DLTS) complement this training.
Lecture notesEnglish lecture notes.

All written documents in English.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites:
Basics of digital design.

Further details:
Link
227-0158-00LSemiconductor Transport Theory and Monte Carlo Device Simulation Information W4 credits2V + 1UF. Bufler, A. Schenk
AbstractThe first part deals with semiconductor transport theory including the necessary quantum mechanics.
In the second part, the Boltzmann equation is solved with the stochastic methods of Monte Carlo simulation.
The exercises address also TCAD simulations of MOSFETs. Thus the topics include theoretical physics,
numerics and practical applications.
ObjectiveOn the one hand, the link between microscopic physics and its concrete application in device simulation is established; on the other hand, emphasis is also laid on the presentation of the numerical techniques involved.
ContentQuantum theoretical foundations I (state vectors, Schroedinger and Heisenberg picture). Band structure (Bloch theorem, one dimensional periodic potential, density of states). Pseudopotential theory (crystal symmetries, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zone).
Semiclassical transport theory (Boltzmann transport equation (BTE), scattering processes, linear transport).<br>
Monte Carlo method (Monte Carlo simulation as solution method of the BTE, algorithm, expectation values).<br>
Implementational aspects of the Monte Carlo algorithm (discretization of the Brillouin zone, self-scattering according to Rees, acceptance- rejection method etc.). Bulk Monte Carlo simulation (velocity-field characteristics, particle generation, energy distributions, transport parameters). Monte Carlo device simulation (ohmic boundary conditions, MOSFET simulation).
Quantum theoretical foundations II (limits of semiclassical transport theory, quantum mechanical derivation of the BTE, Markov-Limes).
Lecture notesLecture notes (in German)
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