Semiconductor Nanocrystals: A Powerful Visual Aid for Introducing the Particle in a Box

摘要

Physical chemistry is an intimidating subject for many students, especially those who have an aversion to mathematics. For these students it is important to provide visual demonstrations of difficult concepts, lest they become frustrated and lost in a sea of equations. Several curriculum reform groups have also advocated the importance of placing course content in the context of real scientific, societal, or technological problems (1). Many of these efforts have focused on introductory chemistry courses. While physical chemistry students are more advanced, students at all levels appreciate the connection between course content and the world they encounter outside of the classroom. Quantum mechanics is unlike thermodynamics (engines, refrigeration) and kinetics (catalysis, enzymes); it is difficult for students to see the "real world" significance of quantum mechanics or to visualize quantum mechanical phenomena. With the advent of nano-technology, the construction of devices on a nanometer scale, it is not only possible but important to connect quantum mechanicl course content with technological provblems.