Theoretical investigations of properties of low dimensional systems and nanomaterials

Abstract

In this thesis, we present theoretical studies of the properties of some examples of low-dimensional systems and nanomaterials. Both these classes of materials have properties which may be different, both quantitatively and qualitatively, from those of the corresponding three dimensional homogeneous bulk systems. For this reason, the study of such materials is of both fundamental and technological interest. This has led to a surge in research activity in this area in recent years. In the case of nano-materials, the technological impetus comes from not only their (possibly) novel properties, but also the prospect that their use will lead to an easy miniaturization of devices. Moreover, in some cases, the technological motivation is the prospect that smaller quantities of expensive materials may be required to obtain a desired effect.