Mesoscopic systems in the quantum realm: Fundamental science and applications

In mesoscopic systems three significant issues are of pivotal importance: (i) due to the smallness of their size, quantum effects are crucial, (ii) for the same reason, the surface-to-volume ratio is large and this characteristic feature induces certain unique and fascinating effects, and (iii) the system remains in active contact with its environment, which induces a variety of novel properties. In view of the enormity of this subject, we shall limit our discussions to certain essential and fundamental science, with a number of non-trivial examples. We shall highlight current activity on various issues mainly related to electron transport in meso/nano systems. Models relevant to the latter have some real application to molecular electronics.