EdX

Introduction to Quantum Transport (edX)

Offered by Purdue University, PurdueX,
Introduction to Quantum Transport (edX)

This course introduces the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method widely used to describe quantum effects in nanoscale devices, along with its applications to spintronic devices. This course introduces the Schrödinger equation, using the tight-binding method to discuss the concept of bandstructure and E(k) relations, followed by an introduction to the NEGF method with simple illustrative examples. Concept of spinors is introduced along with the application of the NEGF method to spintronic devices.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

No prior background in quantum mechanics or statistical mechanics is assumed.
This course is part of the Nanoscience and Technology MicroMasters.

What you'll learn

  • The Schrödinger equation
  • How the tight-binding model works
  • The concept of bandstructure and E(k) relations
  • Self-energy
  • Broadening
  • NEGF equations
  • Dephasing

Syllabus

Week 1: Schrödinger Equation
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Wave Equation
1.3 Differential to Matrix Equation
1.4 Dispersion Relation
1.5 Counting States

Week 2: Schrödinger Equation (continued)
1.6 Beyond 1D
1.7 Lattice with a Basis
1.8 Graphene
1.9 Reciprocal Lattice/Valleys
1.10 Summing Up

Week 3: Contact-ing Schrödinger & Examples
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Semiclassical Model
2.3 Quantum Model
2.4 NEGF Equations
2.5 Bonus Lecture, NOT covered on exams
2.6 Scattering Theory

Week 4: Contact-ing Schrödinger & Examples (continued)
2.7 Transmission
2.8 Resonant Tunneling
2.9 Dephasing
2.10 Summing Up
3.1 Bonus Lecture, NOT covered on exams
3.2 Quantum Point Contact
3.3 - 3.10 Bonus Lectures, NOT covered on exams

Week 5: Spin Transport
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Magnetic Contacts
4.3 Rotating Contacts
4.4 Vectors and Spinors
4.5 - 4.6 Bonus Lectures NOT covered on exams
4.7 Spin Density/Current
4.8-4.10 Bonus Lectures NOT covered on exams

Text: S. Datta, “Lessons from Nanoelectronics”, Part B: Quantum Transport, World Scientific, Second Edition 2017.
The manuscript will be available for download in the course.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Software Engineering: Introduction (edX) EdX
The University of British Columbia,UBCx

Software Engineering: Introduction (edX)

Learn how to apply engineering principles, such as Agile, to build a full-stack software system. You will learn software engineering principles that are applicable to the breadth of large-scale software systems. The course explores topics such as agile development, REST and Async programming, software specification, design, refactoring, information security, and more.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations (edX) EdX
CornellX,Cornell University

A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations (edX)

Learn how to analyze real-world engineering problems using ANSYS simulation software and gain important professional skills sought by employers. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to perform engineering simulations using a powerful tool from ANSYS, Inc. This is a problem-based course where you’ll learn by doing. The focus will be on understanding what’s under the blackbox so as to move beyond garbage-in, garbage-out. You’ll practice using a common solution approach to problems involving different physics: structural mechanics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Project Management of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Project Management of Engineering Projects: Preparing for Success (edX)

Create your own project plan and learn the importance of the early project phases in achieving project success. People are key! Are you a (project) engineer with a technical background but lack management knowledge? Are you eager to improve project performance and want to expand your knowledge? This business and management course will focus on the necessary project management skills to successfully manage projects.

Sep 24th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introducción a la Ingeniería del Software (edX) EdX
Universidad Autonoma de Madrid,UAMx

Introducción a la Ingeniería del Software (edX)

Conoce las distintas fases de desarrollo por las que pasa un proyecto informático, así como las actividades de gestión necesarias para lograr finalizar el proyecto con éxito. ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado qué es y para qué sirve la Ingeniería de Software? ¿Quieres saber por qué es tan necesaria esta disciplina y por qué se utiliza tanto en entornos tecnológicos? ¿O cuál es el motivo de que muchos proyectos informáticos no finalizan en tiempo y coste o con la calidad deseada?

Self Paced
Self-Paced
A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 2) (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST,HKUSTx

A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 2) (edX)

Explore the tradeoffs in designing communication systems like mobile phones, and the engineering tools to handle them. Have you ever wondered how information is transmitted using your mobile phone or a WiFi hotspot? This introductory course seeks to enable you to understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs encountered in the design of these communication systems.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Dynamics and Control (edX) EdX
Universitat Politècnica de València,UPValenciaX

Dynamics and Control (edX)

This is an interactive course about the basic concepts of Systems, Control and their impact in all the human activities. First, the basic concepts of systems, dynamics, structure and control are introduced. Then, looking at many examples in Nature and human made devices, we will realize that the dynamic behavior of most systems can be modified by adding a control system. Later we will see how knowing how to evaluate the dynamic behavior of a system and measure its performance will provide the tools to design new controlled systems fulfilling some requirements.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Cement Chemistry and Sustainable Cementitious Materials (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

Cement Chemistry and Sustainable Cementitious Materials (edX)

Learn the basics of cement chemistry and laboratory best practices for assessment of its key properties. Every day, we see concrete used all around us – to build our houses, offices, schools, bridges, and infrastructure. But few people actually understand what gives concrete its strength, resistance, and utility. The aim of this course is to offer basic cement chemistry to practitioners, as well as new students in the fields of chemistry and engineering.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures (edX)

Don’t let good failures go to waste! Identify the causes of failure and use this knowledge to enhance safety and improve performance. What do collapsed buildings, infected hospital patients, and crashed airplanes have in common? If you know the causes of these events and conditions, they can all be prevented. In this course, you will learn how to use the TU Delft mind-set to investigate the causes of such events so you can prevent them in the future.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2 (edX) EdX
StanfordOnline

Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2 (edX)

This course covers key topics in the use of quantum mechanics in many modern applications in science and technology, introduces core advanced concepts such as spin, identical particles, the quantum mechanics of light, the basics of quantum information, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, and covers the major ways in which quantum mechanics is written and used in modern practice.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Caer o No caer. El secreto de las estructuras (edX) EdX
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - UC3M,UC3Mx

Caer o No caer. El secreto de las estructuras (edX)

Las estructuras están presentes en todos los sistemas que nos rodean. Descubrirlas y comprender cómo funcionan es sencillo y fascinante. Las estructuras están implicadas en nuestras vidas: las plantas, los animales, casi todo lo que fabrica el ser humano, incluso nuestro propio cuerpo, deben soportar una serie de fuerzas sin romperse, y por lo tanto prácticamente cualquier elemento de nuestro entorno es una estructura de una clase u otra.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Advanced Transport Phenomena (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Advanced Transport Phenomena (edX)

Learn how to tackle complex mass and heat transfer problems and apply the results in your own environment. How can you reduce the energy loss of your home? What is the underlying science of energy loss in pipes? Which heat and mass transfer problems do we have to tackle to make consumer products? In this engineering course, you will learn about the engineering principles that play an important role in all of these and more phenomena. You will learn about microbalances, radiation, convection, diffusion and more and their applications in everyday life.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
The Quantum Internet and Quantum Computers: How Will They Change the World? (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

The Quantum Internet and Quantum Computers: How Will They Change the World? (edX)

Discover quantum computers and the quantum internet. Learn the principles and promises behind these developments and how they will impact our future. There is no doubt that quantum computers and the quantum internet will have a great impact on our world. But we don’t yet know quite how. As with traditional computers - we will only see the effects in the decades to come.This course will provide you with a basic understanding of quantum computing and the quantum internet. Together, we’ll peek into the fascinating world of quantum phenomena, such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement.

Self Paced
Self-Paced