Well-structured and adopting a pedagogical approach, this self-contained monograph covers the fundamentals of scanning probe microscopy, showing how to use the techniques for investigating physical and chemical properties on the nanoscale and how they can be used for a wide range of soft materials. It concludes with a section on the latest techniques in nanomanipulation and patterning. This first book to focus on the applications is a must-have for both newcomers and established researchers using scanning probe microscopy in soft matter research. From the contents: * Atomic Force Microscopy and Other Advanced Imaging Modes * Probing of Mechanical, Thermal Chemical and Electrical Properties * Amorphous, Poorly Ordered and Organized Polymeric Materials * Langmuir-Blodgett and Layer-by-Layer Structures * Multi-Component Polymer Systems and Fibers * Colloids and Microcapsules * Biomaterials and Biological Structures * Nanolithography with Intrusive AFM Tipand Dip-Pen Nanolithography * Microcantilever-Based Sensors

'Witty, approachable and captivating' - Robin Ince 'A fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is' - Sean Carroll 'A delightfully fresh and accessible approach to one of the great quests of science' - Graham Farmelo 'Lays out not just what we know, but how we found out (and what is left to be discovered' - Katie Mack 'If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe' - Carl Sagan Inspired by Sagan's famous line, How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch sets out on a journey to unearth everything we know about our universe: how it started, how we found out, and what we still have left to discover. Will we ever be able to understand the very first moments of the world we inhabit? What is matter really made of? How did anything survive the fearsome heat of the Big Bang? In pursuit of answers, we meet the scientists, astronomers and philosophers who brought us to our present understanding of the world - offering readers a front-row seat to the most dramatic journey human beings have ever embarked on. Harry Cliff's How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch is an essential, fresh and funny guide to how we got to where we are now - and what we have to come.

Written by an outstanding group of applied theoreticians with comprehensive expertise and a wide spectrum of international contacts headed by Prof. A. M. Gusak, this monograph coherently presents the approaches and results hitherto only available in various journal papers.
A must-have for all those involved with the public or corporate science of nano systems, thin films and electrical engineering.

'A fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is, and the journey matter takes from the Big Bang, through exploding stars, ultimately to you and me.' - Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden 'If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.' - Carl Sagan We probably all have a vague idea of how to make an apple pie: mix flour and butter, throw in some apples and you're probably most of the way there, right? Think again. Making an apple pie from scratch requires ingredients that definitely aren't available in the supermarket, ovens that can reach temperatures of trillions of degrees, and a preparation time of 13.8 billion years. Inspired by Sagan's famous line, Harry Cliff ventures out in search of the ultimate apple pie recipe, tracing the ingredients of our universe through the hearts of dying stars and back in time to a tiny fraction of a second after our universe began. Along the way, he confronts some really big questions: What is matter really made of? How does the stuff around us escape annihilation in the fearsome heat of the Big Bang? And will we ever be able to understand the very first moments of our universe? In pursuit of answers, Cliff ventures to the largest underground research facility in the world, deep beneath Italy's Gran Sasso mountains, where scientists gaze into the heart of the Sun using the most elusive of particles, the ghostly neutrino. He visits CERN in Switzerland to explore the 'Antimatter Factory' where this stuff of science fiction is manufactured daily (and we're close to knowing whether it falls upwards). And he reveals what the latest data from the Large Hadron Collider may be telling us about the fundamental ingredients of matter. Along the way, Cliff illuminates the history of physics, chemistry, and astronomy that brought us to our present understanding of the world, while offering readers a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic intellectual journeys human beings have ever embarked on. A transfixing deep dive into origins of our world, How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch doesn't just put the makeup of our universe under the microscope, but the awe-inspiring, improbable fact that it exists at all.

'This is a book about wizardry. It will reveal the secrets of the wizard's art, and how you, too, can learn to follow them. It is a history of magic' Condensed matter physics is what happens when atoms cluster together to make something of a size we can understand - something like a car, say, rather than a galaxy. It's what makes things hover in mid-air (magnetic levitation) or crystals glow (thermoluminescence). It's also what we mean by magick. Join Felix Flicker on an empirical adventure in condensed matter physics, the scientific mechanism behind the mysteries of alchemy, transmogrification, and much more. This is the one-stop guide on how to harness the enigmatic workings of the natural world to become a thoroughly modern wizard. From the laws of thermodynamics to the seven bridges of Konigsberg, The Magick of Matter is a journey of discovery which will upend everything you think you know about witchcraft, wizardry, and condensed matter physics.

Features Introduces the physics of accelerators, lasers, and plasma in tandem with the industrial methodology of inventiveness. Outlines a path from idea to practical implementation of scientific and technological innovation. Contains more than 380 illustrations and numerous end-of-chapter exercises.

This 21st Century Nanoscience Handbook will be the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field of nanoscience. Handbook of Nanophysics by the same editor published in the fall of 2010 and was embraced as the first comprehensive reference to consider both fundamental and applied aspects of nanophysics. This follow-up project has been conceived as a necessary expansion and full update that considers the significant advances made in the field since 2010. It goes well beyond the physics as warranted by recent developments in the field. This eighth volume in a ten-volume set covers nanopharmaceuticals, nanomedicine, and food nanoscience. Key Features: Provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field. Chapters written by international experts in the field. Emphasises presentation and real results and applications. This handbook distinguishes itself from other works by its breadth of coverage, readability and timely topics. The intended readership is very broad, from students and instructors to engineers, physicists, chemists, biologists, biomedical researchers, industry professionals, governmental scientists, and others whose work is impacted by nanotechnology. It will be an indispensable resource in academic, government, and industry libraries worldwide. The fields impacted by nanophysics extend from materials science and engineering to biotechnology, biomedical engineering, medicine, electrical engineering, pharmaceutical science, computer technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, food science, and beyond.

Key features: Complete introductory overview of cosmic ray physics Covers the origins, acceleration, transport mechanisms and detection of these particles Mathematical and technical detail is kept separate from the main text

Details the use of advanced AFMs and addresses all types of functional AFMs First book to focus on application of AFM for energy research Enables readers to operate an AFM successfully and to understand the data obtained Covers new achievements in AFM instruments, including higher speed and resolution, automatic and deep learning AFM, and how AFM is being combined with other new methods like IR and Raman microscopy

Filling the gap for comprehensive coverage of the realistic fundamentals and approaches needed to perform cutting-edge research on mesoscopic systems, this textbook allows advanced students to acquire and use the skills at a highly technical, research-qualifying level.
Starting with a brief refresher to get all readers on an equal footing, the text moves on to a broad selection of advanced topics, backed by problems with solutions for use in classrooms as well as for self-study.
Written by authors with research and teaching backgrounds from eminent institutions and based on a tried-and-tested lecture, this is a must-have for researchers, research students and instructors involved with semiconductor junctions, nanostructures and thin film systems.

The present book introduces and develops mathematical techniques for the treatment of nonlinear waves and singular perturbation methods at a level that is suitable for graduate students, researchers and faculty throughout the natural sciences and engineering. The practice of implementing these techniques and their value are largely realized by showing their application to problems of nonlinear wave phenomena in electronic transport in solid state materials, especially bulk semiconductors and semiconductor superlattices. The authors are recognized leaders in this field, with more than 30 combined years of contributions.

Key features Major concepts in thermal physics are introduced cohesively through computational and mathematical treatments. Computational examples in Python programming language guide students on how to simulate and visualize thermodynamic principles and processes for themselves.

The technology behind computers, fiber optics, and networks did not originate in the minds of engineers attempting to build an Internet. The Internet is a culmination of intellectual work by thousands of minds spanning hundreds of years. We have built concept upon concept and technology upon technology to arrive at where we are today, in a world constructed of silicon pathways and controlled by silicon processors. From computers to optical communications, The Silicon Web: Physics for the Internet Age explores the core principles of physics that underlie those technologies that continue to revolutionize our everyday lives. Designed for the nonscientist, this text requires no higher math or prior experience with physics. It starts with an introduction to physics, silicon, and the Internet and then details the basic physics principles at the core of the information technology revolution. A third part examines the quantum era, with in-depth discussion of digital memory and computers. The final part moves onto the Internet era, covering lasers, optical fibers, light amplification, and fiber-optic and wireless communication technologies. The relation between technology and daily life is so intertwined that it is impossible to fully understand modern human experience without having at least a basic understanding of the concepts and history behind modern technology, which continues to become more prevalent as well as more ubiquitous. Going beyond the technical, the book also looks at ways in which science has changed the course of history. It clarifies common misconceptions while offering insight on the social impacts of science with an emphasis on information technology. As a pioneering researcher in quantum mechanics of light, author Michael Raymer has made his own significant contributions to contemporary communications technology

This 21st Century Nanoscience Handbook will be the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field of nanoscience. Handbook of Nanophysics by the same editor published in the fall of 2010 and was embraced as the first comprehensive reference to consider both fundamental and applied aspects of nanophysics. This follow-up project has been conceived as a necessary expansion and full update that considers the significant advances made in the field since 2010. It goes well beyond the physics as warranted by recent developments in the field. This ninth volume in a ten-volume set covers industiral applications. Key Features: Provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date large reference work for the field. Chapters written by international experts in the field. Emphasises presentation and real results and applications. This handbook distinguishes itself from other works by its breadth of coverage, readability and timely topics. The intended readership is very broad, from students and instructors to engineers, physicists, chemists, biologists, biomedical researchers, industry professionals, governmental scientists, and others whose work is impacted by nanotechnology. It will be an indispensable resource in academic, government, and industry libraries worldwide. The fields impacted by nanophysics extend from materials science and engineering to biotechnology, biomedical engineering, medicine, electrical engineering, pharmaceutical science, computer technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, food science, and beyond.

The field of quantum and molecular simulations has experienced strong growth since the time of the early software packages. A recent study, showed a large increase in the number of people publishing papers based on ab initio methods from about 3,000 in 1991 to roughly 20,000 in 2009, with particularly strong growth in East Asia. Looking to the future, the question remains as to how these methods can be further integrated into the R&D value chain, bridging the gap from engineering to manufacturing.

Using successful case studies as a framework, Industrial Applications of Molecular Simulations demonstrates the capability of molecular modeling to tackle problems of industrial relevance. This book presents a wide range of various modeling techniques, including methods based on quantum or classical mechanics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, etc. It also explores a wide range of materials, from soft materials such as polymeric blends widely used in the chemical industry to hard or inorganic materials such as glasses and alumina.

Features

• Demonstrates how modeling can solve everyday problems for scientists in industry
• Provides a broad overview of theoretical approaches
• Presents a wide range of applications in areas such as materials research, catalysis, pharmaceutical development and electronics
• Emphasizes the relationship between theory and experiments

Fundamentals of Ceramics presents readers with an exceptionally clear and comprehensive introduction to ceramic science. This Second Edition updates problems and adds more worked examples, as well as adding new chapter sections on Computational Materials Science and Case Studies. The Computational Materials Science sections describe how today density functional theory and molecular dynamics calculations can shed valuable light on properties, especially ones that are not easy to measure or visualize otherwise such as surface energies, elastic constants, point defect energies, phonon modes, etc. The Case Studies sections focus more on applications, such as solid oxide fuel cells, optical fibers, alumina forming materials, ultra-strong and thin glasses, glass-ceramics, strong and tough ceramics, fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites, thermal barrier coatings, the space shuttle tiles, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, two-dimensional solids, field-assisted and microwave sintering, colossal magnetoresistance, among others.

The ideal companion in condensed matter physics - now in new and revised edition.
Solving homework problems is the single most effective way for students to familiarize themselves with the language and details of solid state physics. Testing problem-solving ability is the best means at the professor's disposal for measuring student progress at critical points in the learning process. This book enables any instructor to supplement end-of-chapter textbook assignments with a large number of challenging and engaging practice problems and discover a host of new ideas for creating exam questions.
Designed to be used in tandem with any of the excellent textbooks on this subject, Solid State Physics: Problems and Solutions provides a self-study approach through which advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students can develop and test their skills while acclimating themselves to the demands of the discipline. Each problem has been chosen for its ability to illustrate key concepts, properties, and systems, knowledge of which is crucial in developing a complete understanding of the subject, including:
* Crystals, diffraction, and reciprocal lattices.
* Phonon dispersion and electronic band structure.
* Density of states.
* Transport, magnetic, and optical properties.
* Interacting electron systems.
* Magnetism.
* Nanoscale Physics.

The fourth volume in this series focuses on biological membrane science, in particular its biophysics. Clearly divided into two parts, the first covers red blood cell shapes, while the second part on molecular simulation provides in-depth information on how to make significant progress with membrane characterization by means of models, and how to refine them by comparing them to experiments.
The result is a highly relevant monograph for both an understanding of the biophysical concepts as well as of novel applications.

This two-volume work covers ultrafast structural and electronic dynamics of elementary processes at solid surfaces and interfaces, presenting the current status of photoinduced processes. Providing valuable introductory information for newcomers to this booming field of research, it investigates concepts and experiments, femtosecond and attosecond time-resolved methods, as well as frequency domain techniques.
The whole is rounded off by a look at future developments.

This book focuses on novel electrochemical materials particularly designed for specific energy applications. It presents the relationship between materials properties, state-of-the-art processing, and device performance and sheds light on the research, development, and deployment (RD&D) trend of emerging materials and technologies in this field. Features: Emphasizes electrochemical materials applied in PEM fuel cells and water splitting Summarizes anode, cathode, electrolyte, and additive materials developed for lithium-ion batteries and reviews other batteries, including lithium-air, lithium-sulfur, sodium- and potassium-ion batteries, and multivalent-ion batteries Discusses advanced carbon materials for supercapacitors Highlights catalyst design and development for CO2RR and fundamentals of proton facilitated reduction reactions With a cross-disciplinary approach, this work will be of interest to scientists and engineers across chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines working to advance electrochemical energy conversion and storage capabilities and applications.

Few books exist that cover the hot field of second-generation spintronic devices, despite their potential to revolutionize the IT industry.Compiling the obstacles and progress of spin-controlled devices into one source, Spintronic Materials and Technology presents an in-depth examination of the most recent technological spintronic developments.

Featuring contributions from active researchers and leading experts, the book chronicles the main research challenges in spintronics. It first depicts the different classes of materials systems currently under investigation for use in spintronic devices. The contributors also address issues concerning the operation of spintronic devices, such as the new principle for future devices that use spin-polarized current. This promises to enable switching of individual spin components of the device while avoiding crosstalk at the nanoscale. The book concludes with descriptions of both Si and III-V semiconductor-based spin transistors and the integration of spin technology with photonics.

The second-generation spintronic devices discussed in Spintronic Materials and Technology will not only improve the existing capabilities of electronic transistors, but will enable future computers to run faster and consume less power.

Fully updated throughout, with new journalistic boxes and recent applications Uses an accessible writing style and format, offering journalistic accounts of interesting research, worked examples, self-test questions, and a helpful glossary of frequently used terms Highlights various technological applications of physics, from locomotive lights to medical scanners to USB flash drives

This 2-volume set presents the most up-to-date coverage of ultrafast/femtosecond dynamics of elementary processes at solid surfaces and interfaces: from techniques and methods, to the most recent advances and results in the field.

Volume 1 of this two-volume-set covers the methods, techniques, and advances that are currently being used/made in the field and Volume 2 covers the methods, techniques, advances and identifies fields of future developments.

Both volumes are of vital interest to surface physicists, surface chemists, solid-state physicists, solid-state chemists, materials scientists, materials institutes, PhD students, photochemists, and spectroscopists.

Provides a practical, experimentally-driven introduction to the materials science of surfaces and thin films Connects the essential concepts with the variables controlled in a laboratory setting, to aid in understanding experimental design and results Takes a visual approach with many illustrations of experimental deposition and characterization techniques to highlight what happens at the atomic level on surfaces and thin films Includes worked examples and problems at the end of each chapter Gives conceptually clear, mathematically simple explanations

Since the major discovery of 'giant magnetoresistance' (GMR) in 1988, spin-dependent transport phenomena in magnetic nanostructures have received much attention from an academic and a technological point of view. This cutting-edge book, edited by two of the world's leading authorities, introduces and explains the basics physics and applications of a variety of spin-dependent transport phenomena in magnetic nanostructures with particular emphasis on magnetic multilayers and magnetic tunnel junctions.