Anssi Lindell

Themes of nanoscience for the introductory physics course

We present three experimental themes and one discussion theme that proved to be suitable for introducing nanoscience through topics that can be integrated into the existing introductory physics or teacher training courses. The experimental themes include two teaching models of an atomic force microscope (AFM) and an experiment with an elastic optical grating. They are all based on simple experiments that give also quantitative results and can be explained using basic physics theory.

Heat capacity of small superconducting disks

Abstract The superconducting state of small samples in a magnetic field is strongly dependent on the sample dimensions and geometry. We have initiated measurements of heat capacity of small superconducting disks. Our method, extensively used in many of our related experiments, is to measure the thermal time constant as a function of temperature of disks on a thin silicon nitride membrane. Theoretical results on heat capacity of the disks based on the Ginzburg–Landau theory will be presented.

Learning the core ideas of scanning probe microscopy by toy model inquiries

Abstract Atomic force microscopy has developed from an atomic level imaging technique to a large family of nanoscientific research setups called scanning probe microscopy. Following this trend, we also need to develop our education from instructions to use the instrument for imaging into an approach of deeper understanding of the science behind the technologies. In this article, we describe our new university level scanning probe microscopy laboratory unit to learn the main scientific principles and applications of the instruments. Three inquiries using toy models were designed to cover the core ideas of scanning probe microscopy. Learning outcomes were analyzed and categorized into levels from the research reports of nine students. We found that practically every student learned atomic force imaging basics: scanning and essential properties of the topography image. One-third of the students showed good understanding in image artifacts and probe calibration, but just one of the students reached the level beyond the topography images to scanning force microscopy and combined force and topography techniques in his report. Also, the connection between scanning probe techniques and human senses was considered an important objective in design of this laboratory unit, although with modest success in learning so far.

Interdisciplinary Nature of Nanoscience: Implications for Education

A lot of expectations rest on the interdisciplinarity of nanoscience, and it has even been proposed as the deciding factor in the progress of the field. What opportunities and challenges does the interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience bring to science education at different levels? This chapter first analyzes the much-discussed interdisciplinarity of nanoscience today, and then discusses how and why those features should be addressed in education.