Quantum Quests

Nanotechnology remains an exciting focus area for condensed matter physicists determined to understand the properties of quantum mechanical phenomena in nanometer-scale structures, with potential applications for nanoscale electronics.

To further the research in this field, ICTP recently partnered with the Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) to deliver a joint conference on Quantum Transport through Nanostructures.

Held at APCTP's headquarters in Pohang, South Korea, from 30 August to 2 September 2012, the conference attracted some 50 participants from the Asia region and around the world. It addressed questions of strong electronic correlations and resonance scattering and its manifestation in quantum transport, as well as possible applications in quantum computing, molecular electronics and spintronics.

The invited speakers, who are world experts in both experimental and theoretical quantum transport, offered lectures on topics ranging from quantum transport through carbon-based materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes), superconducting nanostructures (including detection and manipulation of Majorana states) thermo-electric transport and nano-electro mechanics.

"This was very successful scientific event with many young regional participants who actively participated in conference discussions, and who presented contributed talks and posters," said ICTP condensed matter physicist Mikhail Kiselev, one of the conference organizers.

For more details about the conference, visit its website.