Soft condensed matter physics, which emerged as a distinct branch of physics in the 1990s, studies complex fluids: liquids in which structures with length scale between the molecular and the macroscopic exist. Polymers, liquid crystals, surfactant solutions, and colloids fall into this category. Physicists deal with properties of soft matter systems that are generic and largely independent of chemical details. They are especially fascinated by the way soft matter systems can harness Brownian motion to self-assemble into higher-order structures.
Exploring the generic properties of soft matter offers insights into many fundamental questions that cut across a number of disciplines. Although many of these apply to materials and industrial applications, the focus of this volume is on their applications in molecular and cell biology based on the realization that biology is soft matter come alive.
The chapters in Soft Condensed Matter Physics in Molecular and Cell Biology originated as lectures in the NATO Advanced Science Institute (ASI) and Scottish Universities Summer Schools in Physics with the same name; they represent the thinking of seventeen experts operating at the cutting edge of their respective fields. The book provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental physics of soft matter and then explores its application with regard to the three important classes of biomacromolecules: proteins, DNA, and lipids, as well as to aspects of the biology of cells. The final section of the book considers experimental techniques, covering single molecule force spectroscopy of proteins, the use of optical tweezers, along with X-ray, neutron, and light scattering from solutions.
While this work presents fundamentals that make it a suitable text for graduate students in physics, it also offers valuable insights for established soft condensed matter physicists seeking to contribute to biology, and for biologists wanting to understand what the latest thinking in soft matter physics may be able to contribute to their discipline.

Liquid crystals allow us to perform experiments that provide insight into fundamental problems of modern physics, such as phase transitions, frustration, elasticity, hydrodynamics, defects, growth phenomena, and optics. Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals: Concepts and Physical Properties Illustrated by Experiments is a result of personal research and of the graduate lectures given by the authors at the Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon and the University of Paris VII, respectively. The book examines lamellar (smectic) and columnar liquid crystals, which, in addition to orientational order, possess 1D, 2D or 3D positional order. This volume illustrates original physical concepts using methodically numerous experiments, theoretical developments, and diagrams. Topics include rheology and plasticity, ferroelectricity, analogies with superconductors, hexatic order and 2D-melting, equilibrium shapes, facetting, and the Mullins-Sekerka instability, as well as phase transitions in free films and membrane vibrations. Nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals are covered by the authors in a separate volume entitled Nematic and Cholesteric Liquid Crystals: Concepts and Physical Properties Illustrated by Experiments. Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals is an ideal introduction and a valuable source of reference for theoretical and experimental studies of advanced students and researchers in liquid crystals, condensed matter physics, and materials science.

Providing new insights into the molecular and electronic processes involved in the conversion of sunlight into chemical products, Photoelectrochemical Solar Conversion Systems: Molecular and Electronic Aspects begins with an historical overview and a survey of recent developments in the electrochemistry of semiconductors and spectroscopic techniques. It then provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of conversion cells, reviews current issues and potential directions, and covers a wide range of materials from organic to inorganic cells. Employing a tutorial organization with balanced coverage of electrochemistry and solar energy conversion, this book covers: The conversion of sunlight into chemical energy and different actual conversion concepts Electrochemical methods for the construction and characterization of electrolyte-metal-oxide-semiconductor contacts (EMOS) in the nanodimensions, the so-called nano-emitter concept, including the electrochemical formation of metal clusters of catalytic metals and the formation of passivating layers by anodization The fundamentals of electrocatalysis with emphasis on the hydrogen evolution reaction and the electrochemical CO2 reduction Classical and quantum mechanical theories of electron transfer reactions in metal-electrolyte interfaces and their relation with surface electronics The physicochemical characterization of the model system Si-SiOx-metal-electrolyte by means of modern electrochemical, surface, and spectroscopic methods Improvements of conversion efficiency by means of optical effects, for example, the generation of surface plasmons by nano-dimensioned arrangements of optically active metals

A Primer to Theoretical Soil Mechanics is about adapting continuum mechanics to granular materials. The field of continuum mechanics offers many fruitful concepts and methods, however there is declining interest in the field due to its complex and fragmented nature. This book's purpose is therefore to facilitate the understanding of the theoretical principles of soil mechanics, as well as introducing the new theory of barodesy. This title argues for barodesy as a simple alternative to the plasticity theory used currently and provides a systematic insight into this new constitutive model for granular materials. This book therefore introduces a complex field from a fresh and innovative perspective using simple concepts, succinct equations and explanatory sketches. Intended for advanced undergraduates, graduates and PhD students, this title is also apt for researchers seeking advanced training on fundamental topics.

In magnetic systems of nano-meter size, the interplay between spin and charge of electrons provides unique transport phenomena. In magnetic superlattices, magnetic and non-magnetic metallic thin films with thickness of the order of one nano-meter are piled-up alternately. Since the discovery of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) in these superlattices in 1988, spin dependent transport phenomena in magnetic nanostructures have received much attention from both academic and technological points of view. Ferromagnetic tunnel junctions made of ferromagnetic metal electrodes and a very thin insulating barrier between them are also of current interest as magnetoresistive devices, where the tunneling current depends on the relative orientation of magnetization (TMR). In addition to magnetic superlattices and magnetic tunnel junctions, magnetic granular systems and magnetic dots have been studied extensively as magnetoresistive systems. Edited by two of the world's leading authorities, Spin Dependent Transport in Magnetic Nanostructures introduces and explains the basic physics and applications of a variety of spin-dependent transport phenomena in magnetic nanostructures with particular emphasis on magnetic multilayers and magnetic tunnel junctions.

One of the Top Selling Physics Books according to YBP Library Services Order can be found in all the structures unfolding around us at different scales, including in the arrangements of matter and in energy flow patterns. Aperiodic Structures in Condensed Matter: Fundamentals and Applications focuses on a special kind of order referred to as aperiodic order. The book covers several topics dealing with the role of aperiodic order in numerous domains of the physical sciences and technology. It first presents the most characteristic features of various aperiodic systems. The author then describes theoretical aspects and useful mathematical approaches to properly study the physical systems. Focusing on applied issues, he discusses how to exploit aperiodic order in different technological devices. The author also examines one-, two-, and three-dimensional designs. For those new to the field of aperiodic systems, this book is an excellent guide to the many facets and applications of aperiodic structures.

This book describes wetting fundamentals and reviews the standard protocol for contact angle measurements. The authors include a brief overview of applications of contact angle measurements in surface science and engineering. They also discuss recent advances and research trends in wetting fundamentals and include measurement techniques and data interpretation of contract angles.

This book contains a self-consistent treatment of Besov spaces for W*-dynamical systems, based on the Arveson spectrum and Fourier multipliers. Generalizing classical results by Peller, spaces of Besov operators are then characterized by trace class properties of the associated Hankel operators lying in the W*-crossed product algebra. These criteria allow to extend index theorems to such operator classes. This in turn is of great relevance for applications in solid-state physics, in particular, Anderson localized topological insulators as well as topological semimetals. The book also contains a self-contained chapter on duality theory for R-actions. It allows to prove a bulk-boundary correspondence for boundaries with irrational angles which implies the existence of flat bands of edge states in graphene-like systems. This book is intended for advanced students in mathematical physics and researchers alike.

Colloidal nanocrystals show much promise as an optoelectronics architecture due to facile control over electronic properties afforded by chemical control of size, shape, and heterostructure. Unfortunately, realizing practical devices has been forestalled by the ubiquitous presence of charge "trap" states which compete with band-edge excitons and result in limited device efficiencies. Little is known about the defining characteristics of these traps, making engineered strategies for their removal difficult. This thesis outlines pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance as a powerful spectroscopy of the chemical and electronic nature of these deleterious states. Counterintuitive for such heavy atom materials, some trap species possess very long spin coherence lifetimes (up to 1.6 s). This quality allows use of the trapped charge's magnetic moment as a local probe of the trap state itself and its local environment. Beyond state characterization, this spectroscopy can demonstrate novel effects in heterostructured nanocrystals, such as spatially-remote readout of spin information and the coherent control of light harvesting yield.

Structural and Morphological Evolution in Metal-Organic Films and Multilayers presents major results of the authors' work carried out on Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett multilayers. The authors address two important questions: Are metal-organic monolayer systems more like solids or more like liquids? Does a two-dimensional system have different kind of bonds than a bulk or three-dimensional body? The book reveals the richness hidden in these supposedly well-known systems, including saturated, aliphatic fatty acids. It examines the mechanisms behind the growth of monolayers and multilayers of the molecules primarily from a physicist's point of view. The authors highlight the relationship between molecular structure and domain structure as well as the various physical properties. The book also explores the interplay between physics and chemistry in metal ions.

Melt quenching-the method of quenching from the liquid state-provides new opportunities for producing advanced materials with a unique combination of properties. In the process of melt quenching, attainment of critical cooling rates can produce specific structural states of the material. Nanocrystalline materials produced by melt quenching are classified as nanomaterials not only by their nanoscale structural elements but also by the effects these elements have on the properties of the material. The result of 30 years of research, Melt-Quenched Nanocrystals presents a detailed and systematic analysis of the nanostructured state formed in the process of melt quenching and subsequent thermal and deformation effects. It covers the metallurgical and mechanical properties of nanomaterials, focusing particularly on properties derived from nanocrystals and their agglomeration. The text introduces four different types of nanocrystals that can be produced by melt quenching, each having different structures and properties: Type I nanocrystals formed when crystallization takes place completely during melt quenching Type II nanocrystals formed when melt quenching is accompanied by amorphous state formation along with partial or complete crystallization Type III nanocrystals formed when melt quenching results in the formation of the amorphous state, and nanocrystals can be produced as a result of the subsequent thermal effect Type IV nanocrystals formed when melt quenching leads to the formation of the amorphous state, and nanocrystals can be produced as a result of the subsequent deformation effect The possible uses for these materials are extensive, with applications from coatings to biological compatibility. The final section of the book presents a discussion of existing and future applications of nanocrystals produced by different melt-quenc

While the macroscopic phenomenon of superconductivity is well known and in practical use worldwide, the current theoretical paradigm for superconductivity suffers from a number of limitations. For example, there is no currently accepted theoretical explanation for the pattern of superconductor critical temperatures in the periodic table. Historical developments in condensed matter were strongly focused on the similarities of all metals and the electron gas model, with little attention paid to their real differences. Accessible by a wide audience, Superconductivity Revisited explores the work of those who investigated the differences, and laid the foundation for all current and future work. Topics Include Pattern of Elemental Superconductors in the Periodic Table High-Temperature Superconductors Electron Spin in Superconductors Heat Capacity and Magnetic Susceptibility in Superconductors Quantum Foundations of Molecular Electricity and Magnetism Metals and Insulators Electron Transport in Metals Magnetoresistance Quantum Hall Effect Type I and Type II Superconductivity Superconductivity Revisited starts from the foundations and shows that the current theory of the subject cannot explain the pattern of superconductors in the periodic table, as the theory depends on a theory of resistivity not congruent with the Sommerfeld equation. Partial wave scattering is introduced as a route to deal with these issues. The book develops a theory of superconductivity that includes the periodic table. The new, coherent, understandable theory of superconductivity is directly based on thermodynamics, scattering theory, and molecular quantum mechanics.

The application of field theoretic techniques to problems in condensed matter physics has generated an array of concepts and mathematical techniques to attack a range of problems such as the theory of quantum phase transitions, the quantum Hall effect, and quantum wires. While concepts such as the renormalization group, topology, and bosonization have become necessary tools for the condensed matter physicist, enough open problems and interesting applications remain to drive much activity in this area in the coming years. Field Theories in Condensed Matter Physics presents a comprehensive survey of the concepts, techniques, and applications of the field. Written by experts and carefully edited, the book provides the necessary background for graduate students entering the area of modern condensed matter physics. It also supplies field theorists with a valuable introduction to the areas in condensed matter physics where field theoretic concepts can be fruitfully applied.

The participation of such diverse scientific and technical disciplines as meteorology, astronomy, atmospheric electricity, ionospheric and magnetospheric physics, electromagnetic wave propagation, and radio techniques in the research of atmospherics means that results are published in scientific papers widely spread throughout the literature. This Handbook collects the latest knowledge on atmospherics and presents it in two volumes. Each chapter is written by an expert in his or her field. Topics include the physics of thunderclouds, thunder, global atmospheric electric currents, biological aspects of sferics, and various space techniques for detecting lightning within our own atmosphere as well as in the atmospheres of other planets. Up-to-date applications and methodology are detailed. Volumes I and II offer a comprehensive discussion that together will serve as an important resource for practitioners, professionals, and students alike.

Continuing miniaturization of electronic devices, together with the quickly growing number of nanotechnological applications, demands a profound understanding of the underlying physics. Most of the fundamental problems of modern condensed matter physics involve various aspects of quantum transport and fluctuation phenomena at the nanoscale. In nanostructures, electrons are usually confined to a limited volume and interact with each other and lattice ions, simultaneously suffering multiple scattering events on impurities, barriers, surface imperfections, and other defects. Electron interaction with other degrees of freedom generally yields two major consequences, quantum dissipation and quantum decoherence. In other words, electrons can lose their energy and ability for quantum interference even at very low temperatures. These two different, but related, processes are at the heart of all quantum phenomena discussed in this book. This book presents copious details to facilitate the understanding of the basic physics behind a result and the learning to technically reproduce the result without delving into extra literature. The book subtly balances the description of theoretical methods and techniques and the display of the rich landscape of the physical phenomena that can be accessed by these methods. It is useful for a broad readership ranging from master's and PhD students to postdocs and senior researchers.

Bent-Shaped Liquid Crystals: Structures and Physical Properties provides insight into the latest developments in the research on liquid crystals formed by bent-shaped mesogens. After a historical introduction, the expert authors discuss different kinds of mesophase structures formed by bent-shaped molecules. This book devotes the majority of its pages to physical properties such as polar switching, optics and non-linear optics, and behavior in restricted geometries. However, as chemistry is often highly relevant to the emergence of new phases, particularly with reflection symmetry breaking, it also involves a broad spectrum of interesting chemistry viewpoints.

Methods and the latest results of experimental studies of the strength properties, polymorphism and metastable states of materials and substances with extremely short durations of shock-wave action are presented. The author provides a comprehensive and theoretical description of specific features of the dynamics of elastoplastic shock compression waves in relaxing media. The presentation is preceded by a detailed description of the theoretical foundations of the method and a brief discussion of the basic methods of generating and diagnosing shock waves in solids. Key Selling Features: Addresses dynamic elastic-plastic response, spallation, and shock-induced phase transformation. Provides a centralized presentation of topics of interest to the shock physics community Presents new data on the mechanism and basic patterns of sub-microsecond polymorphic transformations and phase transitions. Investigates destruction waves in shock-compressed glasses. Analyzes the behavior of highly hard brittle materials under shock-wave loading and ways to diagnose fracture.

This volume is a selection of invaluable papers by P-G de Gennes - 1991 Nobel Prize winner in Physics - which have had a long-lasting impact on our understanding of condensed matter. Important ideas on polymers, liquid crystals and interfaces are described. The author has added some afterthoughts to the main papers (explaining their successes or weaknesses), and some current views on each special problem. The text is simple and easy to read.

Although the subject matter is a well established sub-set of undergraduate solid state physics, the main feature of this book is that it develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond broader texts in a single, one-stop sourcebook. It is expected that the student will have acquired an appropriate knowledge of relevant mathematics and will have taken previous introductory courses in quantum mechanics and solid state physics. It applies and develops that knowledge further, to build an understanding of three of the most significant topics in solid state physics, namely semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. Additional quantum mechanics techniques, such as the variational method and perturbation theory, which are not usually found in introductory courses, are introduced and applied as required throughout the text, so that the material in the book is then suitable for a stand-alone final year course, covering the necessary physics from a basic to advanced level.

Although the subject matter is a well established sub-set of undergraduate solid state physics, the main feature of this book is that it develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond broader texts in a single, one-stop sourcebook. It is expected that the student will have acquired an appropriate knowledge of relevant mathematics and will have taken previous introductory courses in quantum mechanics and solid state physics. It applies and develops that knowledge further, to build an understanding of three of the most significant topics in solid state physics, namely semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. Additional quantum mechanics techniques, such as the variational method and perturbation theory, which are not usually found in introductory courses, are introduced and applied as required throughout the text, so that the material in the book is then suitable for a stand-alone final year course, covering the necessary physics from a basic to advanced level.
Key Features:
* Priced especially for the Undergraduate/Master's student
* A unique book that develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond much broader texts in a single-stop sourcebook
* Written specifically for a course in Quantum Theory at Undergraduate/Master's level

This book discusses the latest investigations into the electronic structure of narrow-gap semiconductors in extreme conditions, and describes in detail magnetic field and pressure measurements using two high-quality single crystals: black phosphorus (BP) and lead telluride (PbTe). The book presents two significant findings for BP and PbTe. The first is the successful demonstration of the pressure-induced transition from semiconductor to semimetal in the electronic structure of BP using magnetoresistance measurements. The second is the quantitative estimation of how well the Dirac fermion description works for electronic properties in PbTe. The overviews on BP and PbTe from the point of view of material properties help readers quickly understand the typical electronic character of narrow-gap semiconductor materials, which has recently attracted interest in topological features in condensed matter physics. Additionally the introductory review of the principles and methodology allows readers to understand the high magnetic field and pressure experiments.

Written by the leading names in this field, this book introduces the technical properties, design and fabrication details, measurement results, and applications of three-dimensional silicon radiation sensors. Such devices are currently used in the ATLAS experiment at the European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN) for particle tracking in high energy physics. These sensors are the radiation hardest devices ever fabricated and have applications in ground-breaking research in neutron detection, medical dosimetry and space technologies and more. Chapters explore the essential features of silicon particle detectors, interactions of radiation with matter, radiation damage effects, and micro-fabrication, in addition to a providing historical overview of the field. This book will be a key reference for students and researchers working with sensor technologies. Features: The first book dedicated to this unique and growing subject area, which is also widely applicable in high-energy physics, medical physics, space science and beyond Authored by Sherwood Parker, the inventor of the concept of 3D detectors; Cinzia Da Via, who has brought 3DSi technology to application; and Gian-Franco Dalla Betta, a leading figure in the design and fabrication technology of these devices Explains to non-experts the essential features of silicon particle detectors, interactions of radiation with matter, radiation damage effects, and micro-fabrication

Physics of Fluids in Microgravity provides a clear view of the latest research and progress in the different fields of fluid research in space at the beginning of the International Space Station Era. The topics presented include bubbles and drops dynamics, Marangoni flows, diffusion and thermodiffusion, solidification and crystal growth. The results obtained so far are, in some cases, to be confirmed by extensive research activities on the International Space Station, where basic and applied microgravity experimentation will take place in the years to come.

Using examples from across the sub-disciplines of physics, this introduction shows why effective field theories are the language in which physical laws are written. The tools of effective field theory are demonstrated using worked examples from areas including particle, nuclear, atomic, condensed matter and gravitational physics. To bring the subject within reach of scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there are clear physical explanations, rigorous derivations, and extensive appendices on background material, such as quantum field theory. Starting from undergraduate-level quantum mechanics, the book gets to state-of-the-art calculations using both relativistic and nonrelativistic few-body and many-body examples, and numerous end-of-chapter problems derive classic results not covered in the main text. Graduate students and researchers in particle physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, string theory, and mathematical physics more generally, will find this book ideal for both self-study and for organized courses on effective field theory.