ECE 730 Topic 33 - Spring 2017

ECE 730 Topic 33 - Introduction to Noise Processes: Classical and Quantum Devices

Instructor

Professor Na Young Kim
Office: RAC1 2101, x30481
Office hours: Thursdays 3-4 pm QNC4104 or by appointment via email
email: nayoung.kim@uwaterloo.ca
Note: Do not use LEARN email to reach the instructor

Lectures

10-11 Lectures, Tuesdays 8:30am - 11:20 am (May 2, 2017 to July 25, 2017)

Description

The course will introduce fundamentals of various noise processes in classical and quantum devices. Review of mathematical methods in classical and quantum statistical mechanics is given, on which the theoretical framework of noise processes is developed. Thermal, shot, 1/f and quantum noise processes are studied in macroscopic and mesoscopic electrical and optical devices. Measurement techniques of noise processes and the meanings of measurement accuracy are discussed in classical and quantum worlds. Introduction to coherence, decoherence and control theory is briefly given in closed and open systems.

Course Objective

The course is designed for students to

  • Review classical and quantum statistical mechanics and learn mathematical framework to describe noise processes.
  • Understand thermal, shot, 1/f and quantum noise processes in devices.
  • Study coherence and decoherence processes and control effects.
    Expected Background: Basic understanding of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, solid-state electronics, photonics devices and strong calculus is required.

Syllabus

  • PART 1: Theoretical Foundations (2 weeks)
    1. Classical probability theory
      • Time vs Ensemble Average
      • Ergodic Processes
      • Statistically Stationary vs Non-stationary Processes
      • Parseval, Energy, Wiener-Khintchine, Carson Theorems
      • Power Spectral Density
      • Basic Stochastic Processes
    2. Principles of quantum statistics
      • Basic Stochastic Processes
      • Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem
      • Symmetrization, Non-Commutability Postulates
      • Thermodynamic Partition Functions
      • Equipartition Theorem
  • PART 2: Stochastic Processes in Devices (6 weeks)
    1. Types of Noises
      • Thermal Noise
      • Shot Noise
      • 1/f Noise
      • Quantum Noise
    2. Classical and Quantum Circuit Theory
      • Two- and Four-terminal Networks
      • Noise Figures of linear circuits and cascaded circuits
    3. Macroscopic and Mesoscopic Conductors
      • Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem
      • Thermal Noise in a Transmission Line
      • Ballistic Transport in Mesoscopic Two-Dimensional Systems
      • Partition Noise and Johnson-Nyquist Noise
    4. Photonic Devices
      • p-n Junction Devices
      • Optical Detector
      • Partition Noise and Johnson-Nyquist Noise
  • PART 4: Measurements and Decoherence (2 weeks)
    1. Measurement limits
      • Coherence and decoherence processes
    2. Control Theory and Feedback Control
      • Open and Closed Systems

Textbook

None required. Article handouts provided and lecture notes will supplement course lectures.

Cource Website

The course homepage is on LEARN, where course syllabus, lecture notes and problem sets are uploaded. Any important updates will be announced as well.

Grade Distribution

  • 4 Problem Sets : 30%
    Problem Set Late Policy
    S(t) = S(0)*(10-t)*0.1 if t < ts or S(t) = 0 if t > ts,
    where t = 0 is the due date, t is the turn-in date, and ts is the solution posting date. Exception to this policy can be made in special circumstances by contacting the instructor in advance. Note that any evidence violating Honor code (e.g. plagiarism, copying and etc.) will yield S(t) = 0 regardless of t.
  • Mid-term Presentation: 20%
  • Final Exam : 50%
    • Final Written Exam: 30%

      The Final Exam will be in-class 150-minute long, held during UW regular final exam period. The exam will be open-book/open-notes. However, access to electronic devices will be prohibited.

    • Final Oral Presentation and Final Term Paper: 20%