ABSTRACT

The nanoelectronics discipline is defined. Microscopic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic size regimes are demarcated. The relation of nanoelectronics with mesoscopic physics is pointed out. Mesoscopic and macroscopic objects are differentiated in respect of averaging of behavior, surface area-to-volume ratio, dominance of electromagnetic force over gravitational force, and size dependence of properties. They are further contrasted from their conformance to classical and quantum-mechanical laws. Also explained are interesting mesoscopic phenomena such as quantization of conductance, quantum-mechanical tunneling, quantum confinement, giant magnetoresistance effect, and single-electron effects. The chapter concludes by briefly touching upon the aims and scope of the book and its organization into six parts.