Interacting Electrons in Nanostructures

Nanostructures are among the most actively studied systems in present day - search. Theoretical and experimental studies of these small systems have unc- ered remarkable phenomena due to fundamental interactions and the reduction in dimensionality. Such nanostructures can be made out of well known ma- rials such as metals or semiconductors by lithographic procedures. In addition, novel material systems, e.g. semiconducting heterostructures, or even molecul- like materials, e.g. carbon nanotubes, can represent nanostructures in which electron–electron interactions are of importance. The discoveries of quantum Hall e?ects o?ered an initial glimpse into the striking phenomena that may occur in these low-dimensional structures. - tensive research since then, made possible by enormous advances in fabrication technologies, have revealed a large class of unexpected behaviors in nanostr- tures. The rapid technological progress in the last two decades has led to great excitement among both applied and basic physicists. The hope that miniat- ization of such devices will lead to a new age of smaller and faster computers has motivated extensive work, trying to understand the basic physics involved, an imperative step towards any future application.

The exciting field of nanostructured materials offers many challenging perspectives for fundamental research and technological applications. The combination of quantum mechanics, interaction, phase coherence, and magnetism are important for understanding many physical phenomena in these systems. This book provides an overview of many aspects of interacting electrons in nanostructures, including such interesting topics as quantum dots, quantum wires, molecular electronics, dephasing, spintronics, and nanomechanics. The content reflects the current research in this area and is written by leading experts in the field.