Supersymmetry (SUSY) is one of the most important ideas ever conceived in particle physics. It is a symmetry that relates known elementary particles of a certain spin to as yet undiscovered particles that differ by half a unit of that spin (known as Superparticles). Supersymmetric models now stand as the most promising candidates for a unified theory beyond the Standard Model (SM). SUSY is an elegant and simple theory, but its existence lacks direct proof. Instead of dismissing supersymmetry altogether, Supersymmetry Beyond Minimality: from Theory to Experiment suggests that SUSY may exist in more complex and subtle manifestation than the minimal model. The book explores in detail non-minimal SUSY models, in a bottom-up approach that interconnects experimental phenomena in the fermionic and bosonic sectors. The book considers with equal emphasis the Higgs and Superparticle sectors, and explains both collider and non-collider experiments. Uniquely, the book explores charge/parity and lepton flavour violation. Supersymmetry Beyond Minimality: from Theory to Experiment provides an introduction to well-motivated examples of such non-minimal SUSY models, including the ingredients for generating neutrino masses and/or relaxing the tension with the heavily constraining Large Hadron Collider (LHC) data. Examples of these scenarios are explored in depth, in particular the discussions on Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric SM (NMSSM) and B-L Supersymmetric SM (BLSSM).

III-V semiconductors have attracted considerable attention due to their applications in the fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices as light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Because of their wide applications in a variety of devices, the search for new semiconductor materials and the improvement of existing materials is an important field of study. This new book covers all known information about phase relations in ternary systems based on III-V semiconductors. This book will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students studying materials science, solid state chemistry, and engineering. It will also be relevant for researchers at industrial and national laboratories, in addition to phase diagram researchers, inorganic chemists, and solid state physicists.

This book provides an overview on nanostructured thermoelectric materials and devices, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, device contacts and stability, and potential applications, especially in waste heat recovery and solar energy conversion. The contents focus on thermoelectric devices made from nanomaterials with high thermoelectric efficiency for use in large scale to generate megawatts electricity. Covers the latest discoveries, methods, technologies in materials, contacts, modules, and systems for thermoelectricity. Addresses practical details of how to improve the efficiency and power output of a generator by optimizing contacts and electrical conductivity. Gives tips on how to realize a realistic and usable device or module with attention to large scale industry synthesis and product development. Prof. Zhifeng Ren is M. D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Physics and the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston. Prof. Yucheng Lan is an associate professor in Morgan State University. Prof. Qinyong Zhang is a professor in the Center for Advanced Materials and Energy at Xihua University of China.

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

Contents:
1. The Discovery of Superconductivity 2. Superconductivity Reveals its Mysteries 3. The Breakthrough to High Temperature Superconductivity 4. The Structure of New Cuprate Superconductors 5. A Diversion: Quantum Mechanics, Atoms and the Free Electron Theory of Metals 6. What Causes Superconductivity? 7. Josephson Tunnelling Supercurrents 8. The Search for the Physical Origin of High Temperature Superconductivity 9. Applications of Superconductivity- Large Scale 10. Superconducting Electronics and SQUIDS 11. Organic Superconductors Epilogue

From superstring theory to models with extra dimensions to dark matter and dark energy, a range of theoretically stimulating ideas have evolved for physics beyond the standard model. These developments have spawned a new area of physics that centers on the interplay between particle physics and cosmology-astroparticle physics. Providing the necessary theoretical background, Particle and Astroparticle Physics clearly presents the many recent advances that have occurred in these fields. Divided into five parts, the book begins with discussions on group and field theories. The second part summarizes the standard model of particle physics and includes some extensions to the model, such as neutrino masses and CP violation. The next section focuses on grand unified theories and supersymmetry. The book then discusses the general theory of relativity, higher dimensional theories of gravity, and superstring theory. It also introduces various novel ideas and models with extra dimensions and low-scale gravity. The last part of the book deals with astroparticle physics. After an introduction to cosmology, it covers several specialized topics, including baryogenesis, dark matter, dark energy, and brane cosmology. With numerous equations and detailed references, this lucid book explores the new physics beyond the standard model, showing that particle and astroparticle physics will together reveal unique insights in the next era of physics.

Perovskites are a class of recently discovered crystals with a multitude of innovative applications. In particular, a lead role is played by organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) in solar devices. In 2013 Science and Nature selected perovskite solar cells as one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of that year. This book provides the first comprehensive account of theoretical aspects of perovskite solar cells, starting at an introductory level but covering the latest cutting-edge research. Theoretical Modeling of Organohalide Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications aims to provide a theoretical standpoint on OIHPs and on their photovoltaic applications, with particular focus on the issues that are still limiting their usage in solar cells. This book explores the role that organic cations and defects play in the material properties of OIHPs and their effects on the final device, in addition to discussing the electric properties of OIHPs; the environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of lead in their structural and electronic properties; theoretical screening for OIHP-related material for solar-to-energy conversion; and the nature and the behavior of quasiparticles in OIHPs.

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.

As inorganic materials are put to more and more practical uses--mainly in electric, magnetic, and optical devices--materials scientists must have an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the chemical and physical properties of inorganic compounds. This volume--the first of its kind in twenty years--provides a unified presentation of the chemistry of non-stoichiometric compounds based on statistical thermodynamics and structural inorganic chemistry. Four modern examples of non-stoichiometric compounds--ionic conducting compounds, hydrogen absorbing alloys, magnetic materials, and electrical materials--are discussed in detail. Students and researchers in structural inorganic chemistry, crystallography, materials science, and solid state physics will find this much-needed book both practical and informative.

Introduction to Liquid Crystals: Chemistry and Physics, Second Edition relies on only introductory level chemistry and physics as the foundation for understanding liquid crystal science. Liquid crystals combine the material properties of solids with the flow properties of fluids. As such they have provided the foundation for a revolution in low-power, flat-panel display technology (LCDs). In this book, the essential elements of liquid crystal science are introduced and explained from the perspectives of both the chemist and physicist. This new edition relies on only introductory level physics and chemistry as the foundation for understanding liquid crystal science and is, therefore, ideal for students and recent graduates. Features Introduces and explains the essential elements of liquid crystal science, including discussion of how liquid crystals have been utilized for innovative and important applications. New to this edition are over 300 figures, 90 end-of chapter exercises, and an increased scope that includes recent developments. Combines the knowledge of two eminent scientists in the field; they have fully updated and expanded the text to cover undergraduate/graduate course work as well as current research in what is now a billion-dollar industry. Immerses the reader in the vocabulary, structures, data, and kinetic models, rapidly building up an understanding of the theories and models in current use. Begins with a historical account of the discovery of liquid crystals and continues with a description of how different phases are generated and how different molecular architectures affect liquid crystal properties.

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.

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.

This book offers a modern treatment of diffusion in solids, covering such core topics as the transport of mass through the lattice of a crystalline solid. Part I of the book develops basic concepts in diffusion field theory and illustrates them with several applications, while Part II focuses on key solid-state principles needed to apply diffusion theory to real materials.

The essence of temporal universe creation is that any analytical solution has to comply with the boundary condition of our universe; dimensionality and causality constraints. The essence of this book is to show that everything has a price within our temporal (t > 0) universe; energy and time. In mathematics, every postulation needs proof; there exists a solution before searching for the solution. Yet science does not have seem to have a criterion as mathematics does; to prove first that a postulated science exists within our temporal universe. Without such a criterion, fictitious science emerges, as already have been happening in every day's event. In this book, the author has shown there exists a criterion for a postulated science whether or not it is existed within our universe. The author started this book from Einstein's relativity to the creation of our temporal universe. He has shown that every subspace within our universe is created by energy and time, in which subspace and time are coexisted. The important aspect is that every science has to satisfy the boundary condition of our universe; causality and dimensionality. Following up with temporal universe, the author has shown a profound relationship with the second law of thermodynamics. He examines the relationship between entropy with science as well as communication with quantum limited subspace throughout the book. The author discusses the paradox of Schroedinger's Cat (which has been debated by Einstein, Bohr, Schroedinger and many others since 1935) that triggered his discovering that Schroedinger's quantum mechanics is a timeless machine, in which he has disproved the fundamental principle of superposition within our universe. Since quantum mechanics is a virtual mathematics, he has shown that a temporal quantum machine can, in principle, be built on the top of a temporal platform. This book is intended for cosmologists, particle physicists, astrophysicists, quantum physicists, computer scientists, engineers, professors and students as a reference and research-oriented book.

Graphene, a single sheet of graphite, has an unconventional electronic structure that can be described in terms of massless Dirac Fermions. This interesting electronic feature is not only an important fundamental issue in condensed matter physics but also holds future promise in post-Si electronic/spintronics device applications.

Graphene is the most fundamental building block, with which a variety of carbon-based materials such as graphite, fullerene and carbon nanotubes can be created. The diverse chemical, electronic and magnetic properties of nanographene and graphene are mainly due to their geometrical electronic structure. This book presents the frontiers of graphene research ranging from important issues in condensed matter physics and chemistry to advanced device applications.

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.

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.

Failure Mechanisms in Semiconductor Devices Second Edition E. Ajith Amerasekera Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, USA Farid N. Najm University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA Since the successful first edition of Failure Mechanisms in Semiconductor Devices, semiconductor technology has become increasingly important. The high complexity of today's integrated circuits has engendered a demand for greater component reliability. Reflecting the need for guaranteed performance in consumer applications, this thoroughly updated edition includes more detailed material on reliability modelling and prediction. The book analyses the main failure mechanisms in terms of cause, effects and prevention and explains the mathematics behind reliability analysis. The authors detail methodologies for the identification of failures and describe the approaches for building reliability into semiconductor devices. Their thorough yet accessible text covers the physics of failure mechanisms from the semiconductor die itself to the packaging and interconnections. Incorporating recent advances, this comprehensive survey of semiconductor reliability will be an asset to both engineers and graduate students in the field.

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.

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.

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

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.