This course aims to provide microscopic pictures of energy transport and energy conversion processes from nanoscale to macroscale. Energy transport and conversion are ubiquitous to natural processes, as well as to engineering devices and systems. The fundamentals of transport phenomena and energy conversion are embedded in diverse subjects in different disciplines, such as electrodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and statistical mechanics. Emerging technologies in nanotechnology, direct energy conversion technologies, biotechnologies, microelectronics and photonics, call for the understanding of heat transfer by various energy carriers: electrons, phonons, photons, and molecules. The study of Nanosclae Energy Transport is aimed at providing you the fundamental background to deal with physical and engineering problems you may encounter in micro/nanoscale transport phenomena. The contents consist of:

I. Introduction and Basic Concepts,
II. Material Waves and Energy Quantization,
III. Energy States in Solids,
IV. Statistical Thermodynamics and Thermal Energy Storage,
V. Energy Transfer by Waves,
VI. Particle Description of Transport Processes,
VII. Classical Size Effects,
VIII. Energy Conversion and Coupled Transport Processes,
IX. Mesoscopic Transport,
X. Molecular Dynamics.

Overall, we wish to give you a solid foundation on Nanoscale Transport Phenomenon for your future endeavor, such as those in solar cells, superlattices and thin films. Some knowledges on fluid dynamics, kinetic theory, statistical thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and electromagnetics are helpful but not essential. A term project to work on a specific nanoscale transport problem will be assigned to each registered student.

Textbooks: Gang Chen (2005) Nanoscale Energy Transport and Conversion, Oxford University Press.

Grading Policy: Homework (40 %); Term Project (30 %); and Final Exam. (30 %).