Simulation Approaches for Microelectronics and Nanofabrication Advanced Technology Education

The role of computer simulations on student learning and education in the fields of nanotechnology and microelectronics is studied in this work. Exercises based on selected nanoHUB simulations (offered by the Network for Computational Nanotechnology (NCN), Purdue University) were assigned to over 25 undergraduate students from community colleges and universities. Each exercise was assigned every 1-2 weeks over 12 weeks of the Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology program of 18 credits offered by the Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization at Pennsylvania State University. These exercises included setting technical parameters and inputs for concepts such as oxidation, nano-optics, photovoltaics, semiconductor doping, etc., and analyzing the simulation results/outputs. Feedback on the simulations and simulation-driven learning was regularly received from students and analyzed. This feedback is discussed in this article. Students appreciated additional learning through simulations that complemented lectures and hands-on laboratories. Simulations were most effective when students had a background in the technical topics covered in the simulation exercises. Students strongly preferred simulations that were convenient and simple to use and that allowed simulation parameters to be tuned easily. This work can help toward improving STEM education and receive insights into strategies that could enable effective student learning.