The subject of low-energy excitations has evolved since two-level-tunneling systems were first proposed ~50 years ago. Initially they were used to explain the common anomalous properties of oxide glasses and polymers; now the subject includes a wide range of other materials containing disorder: amorphous semiconductors and metals, doped- mixed- and quasi-crystals, surface adsorbates, ... and topics such as dephasing of quantum states and interferometer noise. A fairly simple empirical description using a remarkably small range of parameters serves well to describe the effect of these excitations, but the structures causing these effects are known in only a few materials and the reasons for their similarity across disparate materials has only been qualitatively addressed.This book provides a unified, comprehensive description of tunneling systems in disordered solids suitable for graduate students/researchers wishing an introduction to the field. Its focus is on the tunneling systems intrinsic to glassy solids. It describes the experimental observations of 'glassy' properties, develops the basic empirical tunneling model, and discusses the dynamics changes on cooling to temperatures where direct excitation interactions become important and on heating to where tunneling gives way to thermal activation. Finally, it discusses how theories of glass formation can help us understand the ubiquity of these excitations.The Development of the basic tunneling model is the core of the book and is worked out in considerable detail. To keep the total within bounds of our expertise and the readers' patience, many related experimental and theoretical developments are only sketched out here; the text is heavily cited to allow readers to follow their specific interests in much more depth.

This book informs the reader about a fascinating class of materials referred to as skutterudites, the atomic lattice of which has large structural voids that can be filled by a variety of foreign species, spanning from alkali to alkaline to rare earth ions. The fillers, in their unique way, drastically modify the physical properties of the parent structure, giving rise to outstanding thermoelectric properties. This exciting material is of growing importance and is finding applications in a variety of different fields. This book will be of interest to researchers working in materials science, physics, and chemistry in addition to graduate students in these subjects. Features: * Gives a comprehensive account of all fundamental physical properties of skutterudites * Each major topic is accompanied by introductory sections and a further detailed theoretical treatment is provided in Appendices * Supported by many figures and a vast number of relevant references

This book is for graduate students and researchers who wish to understand theoretical mechanisms lying behind macroscopic properties of magnetic thin films. It provides a detailed description of basic theoretical methods and techniques of simulation to help readers in their research projects. The first part of the book contains 6 chapters. Chapters 1 to 5 focus on the fundamental theory of bulk magnetic materials. Chapter 6 is devoted to the presentation of the Monte Carlo simulation methods. Exercises and problems are provided at the end of each of these chapters for self-training. The second part contains 11 chapters devoted to the main topic of the book, namely "physics of magnetic thin films: theory and simulation." Written as a research paper, each chapter focuses on a subject and also presents the state-of-the-art literature on the subject and the motivation of the chapter. A detailed description of the techniques and the presentation of the results are then shown with discussion.

The Institute for Amorphous Studies was founded in 1982 as the international center for the investigation of amorphous mate rials. It has since played an important role in promoting the und er standing of disordered matter in general. An Institute lecture series on "Fundamentals of Amorphous Materials and Devices" was held during 1982-83 with distinguished speakers from universities and industry. These events were free and open to the public, and were attended by many representatives of the scientific community. The lectures themselves were highly successful inasmuch as they provided not only formal instruction but also an opportunity for vigorous and stimulating debate. That last element could not be captured within the pages of a book I but the lectures concentrated on the latest advances in the field I which is why their essential contents are he re reproduced in collective form. Together they constitute an interdisciplinary status report of the field. The speakers brought many different viewpoints and a variety of back ground experiences io bear on the problems involved I but though language and conventions vary I the essential unity of the concerns is very clear I as indeed are the ultimate benefits of the many-sided approach."

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

Fabrication of Graphene from Camphor: Emerging Energy Applications provides a short review of recent discoveries in the field of graphene. Its specific focus is on the synthesis of graphene sheets by naturally available sources of carbon as solid precursors. It delves into three major issues in the field: * The low-cost fabrication process for the development of large-scale graphene using natural camphor as a solid source of carbon. * The fabrication of graphene-silicon and graphene-silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) Schottky junction near-infrared photodetectors (NIRPDs). * The applications of graphene thin film for lithium-ion batteries.

This timely book covers basic mechanisms, characterization, theoretical simulations, and applications for exchange bias in granular nanosystems, thin films, and bulk systems. After an overview of the field and key principles, the next section covers nanogranular (core-shell) systems, followed by chapters on thin films, bilayers/multilayers nanostructures, dilute magnetic semiconductors, and multiferroic systems. A final section turns to bulk systems, such as those consisting of perovskite structures, rare earth-transition metal intermetallic, and ion implantations. Readers of this book will obtain A complete, modern overview on exchange bias phenomena, covering synthesis, characterization techniques, and applications An introduction to all the important phenomenological models proposed for thin films, bulk materials, and nanoparticles Detailed discussion of the importance of size, shape, cooling field, and temperature on exchange bias properties Understanding of novel applications of exchange bias systems

This book offers a comprehensive and cohesive overview of transport processes associated with all kinds of charged particles, including electrons, ions, positrons, and muons, in both gases and condensed matter. The emphasis is on fundamental physics, linking experiment, theory and applications. In particular, the authors discuss: The kinetic theory of gases, from the traditional Boltzmann equation to modern generalizations A complementary approach: Maxwell's equations of change and fluid modeling Calculation of ion-atom scattering cross sections Extension to soft condensed matter, amorphous materials Applications: drift tube experiments, including the Franck-Hertz experiment, modeling plasma processing devices, muon catalysed fusion, positron emission tomography, gaseous radiation detectors Straightforward, physically-based arguments are used wherever possible to complement mathematical rigor. Robert Robson has held professorial positions in Japan, the USA and Australia, and was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at several universities in Germany. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Ronald White is Professor of Physics and Head of Physical Sciences at James Cook University, Australia. Malte Hildebrandt is Head of the Detector Group in the Laboratory of Particle Physics at the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland.

"the present book will be of great value for both newcomers to the field and mature active researchers by serving as a coherent and timely introduction to some of the modern approaches, ideas, results, emerging understanding, and many open questions in this fascinating field of polymer glasses, supercooled liquids, and thin films" -Kenneth S. Schweizer, Morris Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (from the Foreword) This book provides a timely and comprehensive overview of molecular level insights into polymer glasses in confined geometries and under deformation. Polymer glasses have become ubiquitous to our daily life, from the polycarbonate eyeglass lenses on the end of our nose to large acrylic glass panes holding water in aquarium tanks, with advantages over glass in that they are lightweight and easy to manufacture, while remaining transparent and rigid. The contents include an introduction to the field, as well as state of the art investigations. Chapters delve into studies of commonalities across different types of glass formers (polymers, small molecules, colloids, and granular materials), which have enabled microscopic and molecular level frameworks to be developed. The authors show how glass formers are modeled across different systems, thereby leading to treatments for polymer glasses with first-principle based approaches and molecular level detail. Readers across disciplines will benefit from this topical overview summarizing the key areas of polymer glasses, alongside an introduction to the main principles and approaches.

The main objective of the book is to highlight the modeling of magnetic particles with different shapes and magnetic properties, to provide graduate students and young researchers information on the theoretical aspects and actual techniques for the treatment of magnetic particles in particle-based simulations. In simulation, we focus on the Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, Brownian dynamics, lattice Boltzmann and stochastic rotation dynamics (multi-particle collision dynamics) methods. The latter two simulation methods can simulate both the particle motion and the ambient flow field simultaneously. In general, specialized knowledge can only be obtained in an effective manner under the supervision of an expert. The present book is written to play such a role for readers who wish to develop the skill of modeling magnetic particles and develop a computer simulation program using their own ability. This book is therefore a self-learning book for graduate students and young researchers. Armed with this knowledge, readers are expected to be able to sufficiently enhance their skill for tackling any challenging problems they may encounter in future.

Despite the vast knowledge accumulated on silicon, germanium, and their alloys, these materials still demand research, eminently in view of the improvement of knowledge on silicon-germanium alloys and the potentialities of silicon as a substrate for high-efficiency solar cells and for compound semiconductors and the ongoing development of nanodevices based on nanowires and nanodots. Silicon, Germanium, and Their Alloys: Growth, Defects, Impurities, and Nanocrystals covers the entire spectrum of R&D activities in silicon, germanium, and their alloys, presenting the latest achievements in the field of crystal growth, point defects, extended defects, and impurities of silicon and germanium nanocrystals. World-recognized experts are the authors of the book's chapters, which span bulk, thin film, and nanostructured materials growth and characterization problems, theoretical modeling, crystal defects, diffusion, and issues of key applicative value, including chemical etching as a defect delineation technique, the spectroscopic analysis of impurities, and the use of devices as tools for the measurement of materials quality.

This book summarizes the fundamental and established methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles, providing readers with an organized and comprehensive insight into the field of nanoparticle technology. In addition to exploring the characterization and applications of nanoparticles, it also focuses on the recently explored corona discharge micromachining - Electrical Discharge Micromachining (EDMM) - method to synthesize inorganic nanoparticles. In the synthesis of nanoparticles, organic materials often play an indispensable role, such as providing stabilizers in the form of capping agents. This book will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying physics and engineering, as well as professionals and academics looking for an introduction to the nature and foundations of nanoparticle synthesis. Features: Provides diagnostic tools for the characterization of nanoparticles Explores the cutting-edge EDMM method for the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles Discusses possible methods to overcome agglomeration of nanoparticles and achieve stable dispersion, in addition to examining the application suitability of synthesized nanoparticles

This book will help readers understand thermodynamic properties caused by magnetic fields. Providing a concise review of time independent magnetic fields, it goes on to discuss the thermodynamic properties of magnetizing materials of different shapes, and finally, the equilibrium properties of superconductors of different shapes and also of different sizes. Chapters are accompanied by problems illustrating the applications of the principles to optimize and enhance understanding. This book will be of interest to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers specializing in thermodynamics, solid state physics, magnetism, and superconductivity. Features: The first book to provide comprehensive coverage of thermodynamics in magnetic fields, only previously available, in part, in journal articles Chapters include problems and worked solutions demonstrating real questions in contemporary superconductivity, such as properties of vortex matter

This book provides a survey of the latest research and developments in plasma technology. In an easy and comprehensive manner, it explores what plasma is and the technologies utilized to produce plasma. It then investigates the main applications and their benefits. Different from other books on the topic that focus on specific aspects of plasma technology, the intention is to provide an introduction to all aspects related to plasma technologies. This book will be an ideal resource for graduate students studying plasma technologies, in addition to researchers in physics, engineering, and materials science. Features Accessible and easy to understand Provides simple yet exhaustive explanations of the foundations Explores the latest technologies and is filled with practical applications and case studies

Heterostructured nanoparticles have the capability for a broad range of novel and enhanced properties, which leads to appealing biomedical and environmental applications. This timely new book addresses the design and preparation of multiphase nanomaterials with desired size, shape, phase composition, and crystallinity, as well as their current applications. It emphasizes key examples to motivate deeper studies, including nanomaterial-based hyperthermia treatment of cancer, nanohybrids for water purification, nanostructures used in the removal or detection of bioagents from waste water, and so on. Features Presents state of the art research on heterostructured nanomaterials, from their synthesis and physiochemical properties to current environmental and biological applications. Includes details on toxicity and risk assessment of multifunctional nanomaterials. Discusses recent developments and utilization in healthcare by leading experts. Introduces the main features of functionalization of nanomaterials in terms of desired size, shape, phase composition, surface functionalization/coating, toxicity, and geometry. Emphasizes practical applications in the environmental and biomedical sectors.

Spintronics Handbook, Second Edition offers an update on the single most comprehensive survey of the two intertwined fields of spintronics and magnetism, covering the diverse array of materials and structures, including silicon, organic semiconductors, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and engineered nanostructures. It focuses on seminal pioneering work, together with the latest in cutting-edge advances, notably extended discussion of two-dimensional materials beyond graphene, topological insulators, skyrmions, and molecular spintronics. The main sections cover physical phenomena, spin-dependent tunneling, control of spin and magnetism in semiconductors, and spin-based applications. Features: Presents the most comprehensive reference text for the overlapping fields of spintronics (spin transport) and magnetism. Covers the full spectrum of materials and structures, from silicon and organic semiconductors to carbon nanotubes, graphene, and engineered nanostructures. Extends coverage of two-dimensional materials beyond graphene, including molybdenum disulfide and study of their spin relaxation mechanisms Includes new dedicated chapters on cutting-edge topics such as spin-orbit torques, topological insulators, half metals, complex oxide materials and skyrmions. Discusses important emerging areas of spintronics with superconductors, spin-wave spintronics, benchmarking of spintronics devices, and theory and experimental approaches to molecular spintronics. Evgeny Tsymbal's research is focused on computational materials science aiming at the understanding of fundamental properties of advanced ferromagnetic and ferroelectric nanostructures and materials relevant to nanoelectronics and spintronics. He is a George Holmes University Distinguished Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Director of the UNL's Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), and Director of the multi-institutional Center for NanoFerroic Devices (CNFD). Igor Zutic received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics at the University of Minnesota. His work spans a range of topics from high-temperature superconductors and ferromagnetism that can get stronger as the temperature is increased, to prediction of various spin-based devices. He is a recipient of 2006 National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2005 National Research Council/American Society for Engineering Education Postdoctoral Research Award, and the National Research Council Fellowship (2003-2005). His research is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Department of Energy, and the Airforce Office of Scientific Research.

Choice Recommended Title, April 2020 This comprehensive book, edited by two leading experts in nanotechnology and bioengineering with contributions from a global team of specialists, provides a detailed overview of the environmental and health impacts associated with the toxicology of nanomaterials. Special attention is given to nanomaterial toxicity during synthesis, production and application, and chapters throughout are focused on key areas that are important for future research and development of nanomaterials. This book will be of interest to advanced students studying biomedical engineering and materials science, PhD researchers, post-docs and academics working in the area of nanotechnology, medicine, manufacturing and regulatory bodies. Features: Collates and critically evaluates various aspects of the toxicology of nanomaterials in one comprehensive text Discusses the various effects of nanocrystals including the morphologies on cytotoxicity, in addition to the environmental and cytotoxicity risks of graphene and 2D nanomaterials Explores practical methods of detection and quantification, with applications in the environmental and healthcare fields

Data analytics has become an integral part of materials science. This book provides the practical tools and fundamentals needed for researchers in materials science to understand how to analyze large datasets using statistical methods, especially inverse methods applied to microstructure characterization. It contains valuable guidance on essential topics such as denoising and data modeling. Additionally, the analysis and applications section addresses compressed sensing methods, stochastic models, extreme estimation, and approaches to pattern detection.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Spectroscopy is a powerful technique that utilizes the interaction of light with matter. Analysis of various spectra can yield important physical characteristics of matter, including chemical composition, temperature, luminosity, mass, and more. The uses and implications of spectroscopy are very broad, with practical uses in many fields of science, including astronomy, medicine, analytic chemistry, material science, geology, and more. Researchers are constantly discovering new applications of spectroscopy, and it is expected to play an ever-increasing role in nanotechnology and superconductivity. This book brings together a diverse collection of new research advances in spectroscopy.

The NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Scale Invariance, Interfaces and Non Equilibrium Dynamics" was held at the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge, UK from 20-30 June 1994. The topics discussed at the Institute were all concerned with the origin and nature of complex structures found far from equilibrium. Examples ranged from reaction diffusion systems and hydrodynamics through to surface growth due to deposition. A common theme was that of scale invariance due to the self-similarity of the underly ing structures. The topics that were covered can be broadly classified as pattern for mation (theoretical, computational and experimental aspects), the non-equilibrium dynamics of the growth of interfaces and other manifolds, coarsening phenomena, generic scale invariance in driven systems and the concept of self-organized critical ity. The main feature of the Institute was the four one-hour-Iong lectures given each day by invited speakers. In addition to thirty-seven of these lectures, two contributed lectures were also given. The many questions that were asked after the lectures attested to the excitement and interest that the lecturers succeeded in generating amongst the students. In addition to the discussions initiated by lectures, an im portant component of the meeting were the poster sessions, where participants were able to present their own work, which took place on three of the afternoons. The list of titles given at the end of these proceedings gives some idea of the range and scope of these posters."

Tribology is the study of friction, wear and lubrication. Recently, the concept of "green tribology" as "the science and technology of the tribological aspects of ecological balance and of environmental and biological impacts" was introduced. The field of green tribology includes tribological technology that mimics living nature (biomimetic surfaces) and thus is expected to be environmentally friendly, the control of friction and wear that is of importance for energy conservation and conversion, environmental aspects of lubrication and surface modification techniques, and tribological aspects of green applications such as wind-power turbines or solar panels. This book is the first comprehensive volume on green tribology. The chapters are prepared by leading experts in their fields and cover such topics as biomimetics, environmentally friendly lubrication, tribology of wind turbines and renewable sources of energy, and ecological impact of new technologies of surface treatment.