A new Transmission Line Matrix-Finite Difference scheme for the coupled Maxwell-Schrödinger problem in the in the electronic/electromagnetic characterization of nanodevices.

The continuing scaling of semiconductor devices down to the nanometer region, combined with advances in the understanding of the physics of nanostructures, points to unique opportunities for the “three-dimensional” integration of sensing, computing and communication functions. However, the complexity of such micro/nano systems can not be handled by today’s computeraided design tools. Furthermore, their exploration cannot rely solely on experiment-based trial and error. What is needed is the advancement of a multi-physics, computational framework, capable of covering the various energy domains governing the desired operation of the device with the rigor and accuracy needed for reliable predictive analysis. In addition to describing correctly the non-linear coupling between the different physical domains, the computational framework must be able to support the multi-scale nature of the coupled domains, from atomistic models at the nanoscale to the microscale. Furthermore, the development of methods for the physically-consistent and computationally-efficient interfacing of models at different scales is critical for the advancement of a versatile computational framework. This workshop reviews recent research activities on modeling methodologies and numerical techniques aimed at tackling the aforementioned challenges. The common theoretical platform of the presentations in this workshop is provided by the mathematical description of the self-consistent coupling of Maxwell’s equations with the mathematical models that govern the additional physics that impacts the operation of these devices, e.g. quantum transport/ diffusion, thermal effects, mechanical strain, charge scattering. The resulting advanced models and numerical tools are necessary for the design exploration of new devices that exploit the opportunities provided by new emerging materials and multi-functional integration at the nanoscale.