Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics, Volume 209, merges two long-running serials, Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. The series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science, digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy and the computing methods used in all these domains.

This book highlights the evolution of, and novel challenges currently facing, nanomaterials science, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology, and their applications and development in the biological and biomedical fields. It details different nanoscale and nanostructured materials syntheses, processing, characterization, and applications, and considers improvements that can be made in nanostructured materials with their different biomedical applications. The book also briefly covers the state of the art of different nanomaterials design, synthesis, fabrication and their potential biomedical applications. It will be particularly useful for reading and research purposes, especially for science and engineering students, academics, and industrial researchers.

This thesis extends our understanding of systems of independent electrons by developing a generalization of Bloch's Theorem which is applicable whenever translational symmetry is broken solely due to arbitrary boundary conditions. The thesis begins with a historical overview of topological condensed matter physics, placing the work in context, before introducing the generalized form of Bloch's Theorem. A cornerstone of electronic band structure and transport theory in crystalline matter, Bloch's Theorem is generalized via a reformulation of the diagonalization problem in terms of corner-modified block-Toeplitz matrices and, physically, by allowing the crystal momentum to take complex values. This formulation provides exact expressions for all the energy eigenvalues and eigenstates of the single-particle Hamiltonian. By precisely capturing the interplay between bulk and boundary properties, this affords an exact analysis of several prototypical models relevant to symmetry-protected topological phases of matter, including a characterization of zero-energy localized boundary excitations in both topological insulators and superconductors. Notably, in combination with suitable matrix factorization techniques, the generalized Bloch Hamiltonian is also shown to provide a natural starting point for a unified derivation of bulk-boundary correspondence for all symmetry classes in one dimension.

This book is the volume of the proceedings for the 17th Edition of ISER. The goal of ISER (International Symposium on Experimental Robotics) symposia is to provide a single-track forum on the current developments and new directions of experimental robotics. The series has traditionally attracted a wide readership of researchers and practitioners interested to the advances and innovations of robotics technology. The 54 contributions cover a wide range of topics in robotics and are organized in 9 chapters: aerial robots, design and prototyping, field robotics, human-robot interaction, machine learning, mapping and localization, multi-robots, perception, planning and control. Experimental validation of algorithms, concepts, or techniques is the common thread running through this large research collection. Chapter "A New Conversion Method to Evaluate the Hazard Potential of Collaborative Robots in Free Collisions" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Features • Provides a cutting edge review of the latest emerging science, technology and applications in the field. • Tackles a topic with fast growing interest in USA, Europe and China. • Explores the simple and cheap design and tests of lasers, and outline the feasible applications.

The present volume contains the written versions of most of the invited talks of the Spring Meeting of the Condensed Matter Physics section of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft held from March 25 to 29, 2002 in Regensburg, Germany. Also contained are those talks presented as part of the Symposia most of which were organized by several divisions in collaboration and covered a fascinating selection of topics of current interest. Thus this volume reflects the status of condensed matter physics in Germany in the year 2002. In particular, one notes a slight change in paradigms: from quantum dots and wires to spin transport and soft matter systems in the broadest sense. This seems to reflect the present general trend in physics. Nevertheless, a large portion of the invited papers concentrate on nanostructured matter.

This book reports on the development and application of a new uniaxial pressure apparatus that is currently generating considerable interest in the field of materials physics. The author provides practical guidelines for performing such experiments, backed up by finite element simulations. Subsequently, the book reports on two uses of the device. In the first, high pressures are used to tune to a Van Hove singularity in Sr2RuO4, while the effects on the unconventional superconductivity and the normal state properties are investigated. In the second experiment, precise and continuous strain control is used to probe symmetry breaking and novel phase formation in the vicinity of a quantum critical point in Sr3Ru2O7.

This book is focused on recent advances in the development of thin films for photovoltaic applications, TiO2/WO3 bi-layers for applications with enhanced photo-catalytic properties, nanometer oxide and hydroxide films for anticorrosive coatings, surface passivation in chemical industries, micro- and nanoelectronics, trilayers of metglas and lead free piezoelectrics for magnetic field sensors, current sensors, spintronics, microwave and read/write devices. Diluted ferromagnetic alloy films are also considered for superconducting spintronics based on superconducting spin-valves. Thermal properties of segmented nanowires are analyzed with respect to thermoelectric applications. Recent advances in template production of nanocomposites are also reviewed with particular focus on technologies for template assisted formation of metal nanotubes. Some elements related to abrasive flow machining (AFM), specifically state of the art elements of technological systems and construction of equipment are presented. The book is written for researchers in materials science, nanotechnologies, PhD students and graduate student.

This monograph deals with theoretical aspects and numerical simulations of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with nonlinear materials. It focuses in particular on media with nonlinear polarization properties. It addresses the direct problem of nonlinear Electrodynamics, that is to understand the nonlinear behavior in the induced polarization and to analyze or even to control its impact on the propagation of electromagnetic fields in the matter. The book gives a comprehensive presentation of the results obtained by the authors during the last decade and put those findings in a broader, unified context and extends them in several directions.It is divided into eight chapters and three appendices. Chapter 1 starts from the Maxwell's equations and develops a wave propagation theory in plate-like media with nonlinear polarizability. In chapter 2 a theoretical framework in terms of weak solutions is given in order to prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution of the semilinear boundary-value problem derived in the first chapter. Chapter 3 presents a different approach to the solvability theory of the reduced frequency-domain model. Here the boundary-value problem is reduced to finding solutions of a system of one-dimensional nonlinear Hammerstein integral equations. Chapter 4 describes an approach to the spectral analysis of the linearized system of integral equations. Chapters 5 and 6 are devoted to the numerical approximation of the solutions of the corresponding mathematical models. Chapter 7 contains detailed descriptions, discussions and evaluations of the numerical experiments. Finally, chapter 8 gives a summary of the results and an outlook for future work.

Single Crystals of Electronic Materials: Growth and Properties is a complete overview of the state-of-the-art growth of bulk semiconductors. It is not only a valuable update on the body of information on crystal growth of well-established electronic materials, such as silicon, III-V, II-VI and IV-VI semiconductors, but also includes chapters on novel semiconductors, such as wide bandgap oxides like ZnO, Ga2, O3, In2, O3, Al2, O3, nitrides (AIN and GaN), and diamond. Each chapter focuses on a specific material, providing a comprehensive overview that includes applications and requirements, thermodynamic properties, schematics of growth methods, and more.

Metamaterials and plasmonics are cross-disciplinary fields that are emerging into the mainstream of many scientific areas. Examples of scientific and technical fields which are concerned are electrical engineering, micro- and nanotechnology, microwave engineering, optics, optoelectronics, and semiconductor technologies. In plasmonics, the interplay between propagating electromagnetic waves and free-electron oscillations in materials are exploited to create new components and applications. On the other hand, metamaterials refer to artificial composites in which small artificial elements, through their collective interaction, creates a desired and unexpected macroscopic response function that is not present in the constituent materials.

This book charts the state of the art of these fields. In May 2008, world-leading experts in metamaterials and plasmonics gathered into a NATO Advanced Research Workshop in Marrakech, Morocco. The present book contains extended versions of 22 of the presentations held in the workshop, covering the general aspects of the field, as well as design and modelling questions of plasmonics and metamaterials, fabrication issues, and applications like absorbers and antennas.

This book is in honor of the contribution of Professor Xin Jiang (Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Siegen, Germany) to diamond. The objective of this book is to familiarize readers with the scientific and engineering aspects of CVD diamond films and to provide experienced researchers, scientists, and engineers in academia and industry with the latest developments and achievements in this rapidly growing field. This 2nd edition consists of 14 chapters, providing an updated, systematic review of diamond research, ranging from its growth, and properties up to applications. The growth of single-crystalline and doped diamond films is included. The physical, chemical, and engineering properties of these films and diamond nanoparticles are discussed from theoretical and experimental aspects. The applications of various diamond films and nanoparticles in the fields of chemistry, biology, medicine, physics, and engineering are presented.

This book gives an overview on mid-infrared optical glass and fibers laser, it cover the underlying principle, historic background, as well as recent advances in materials processing and enhanced properties for rare earth doped luminescence, spectroscopy lasers, or optical nonlinearity applications. It describes in great detail, the preparation of high purity non-oxide IR glass and fibers to be used as mid-IR fiber laser and supercontinuum sources for optical fiber spectroscopy. It will be useful for academics, researchers and engineers in various disciplines who require a broad introduction to the subject and would like to learn more about the state-of-the-art and upcoming trends in mid-infrared fiber source development, particularly for industrial, medical and military applications.

* Covers topics such as fundamentals of sensors and their working principles * Details recent materials and technologies used for flexible and wearable sensors * Covers emerging applications

This book describes the basic physical principles of techniques to generate and ultrashort pulse lasers and applications to ultrafast spectroscopy of various materials covering chemical molecular compounds, solid-state materials, exotic novel materials including topological materials, biological molecules and bio- and synthetic polymers. It introduces non-linear optics which provides the basics of generation and measurement of pulses and application examples of ultrafast spectroscopy to solid state physics. Also it provide not only material properties but also material processing procedures. The book describes also details of the world shortest visible laser and DUV lasers developed by the author's group. It is composed of the following 12 Sections: The special features of this book is that it is written by a single author with a few collaborators in a systematic way. Hence it provides a comprehensive and systematic description of the research field of ultrashort pulse lasers and ultrafast spectroscopy. Generation of ultrashort pulses in deep ultraviolet to near infrared Generation of ultrashort pulses in terahertz Carrier envelope phase (CEP) Simple NLO processes with a few colors Multi-color involved NLO processes Multi-color ultrashort pulse generation NLO materials NLO processes in time-resolved spectroscopy Low dimension materials Conductors and superconductors Chemical reactions and material processing Photobiological reactions

MXenes offer single step processing, excellent electrical conductivity, easy heat dissipation behavior, and capacitor-like properties and are used in photodetectors, lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, photocatalysis, electrochemiluminescence sensors, and supercapacitors. Because of their superior electrical and thermal conductivities, these composites are an ideal choice in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. MXene Nanocomposites: Design, Fabrication, and Shielding Applications presents a comprehensive overview of these emerging materials, including their underlying chemistry, fabrication strategies, and cutting-edge applications in EMI shielding. * Covers modern fabrication technologies, processing, properties, nanostructure formation, and mechanisms of reinforcement. * Discuss biocompatibility, suitability, and toxic effects. * Details innovations, applications, opportunities, and future directions in EMI shielding applications. This book is aimed at researchers and advanced students in materials science and engineering and is unique in its detailed coverage of MXene-based polymer composites for EMI shielding.

This thesis reports a rare combination of experiment and theory on the role of geometry in materials science. It is built on two significant findings: that curvature can be used to guide crack paths in a predictive way, and that protected topological order can exist in amorphous materials. In each, the underlying geometry controls the elastic behavior of quasi-2D materials, enabling the control of crack propagation in elastic sheets and the control of unidirectional waves traveling at the boundary of metamaterials. The thesis examines the consequences of this geometric control in a range of materials spanning many orders of magnitude in length scale, from amorphous macroscopic networks and elastic continua to nanoscale lattices.

This book highlights state-of-the-art in III-nitrides-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Motivated by the application prospects in lighting, high-resolution display, and health & medicine, the book systematically introduces the physical fundamentals, epitaxial growth, and device fabrications of III-nitride-based LEDs. Important topics including the structures of chips, device reliability and measurements and the advances in mini and micro LEDs are also discussed. The book is completed with a decade of research experience of the author's team in the design and fabrication of III-nitrides-based LEDs, presenting the novel achievements in the stress control of the large mismatch heterostructures, defect formation and inhibition mechanism of the heteroepitaxial growth, LED epitaxial technologies, and the fabrication of high-efficient flip-chip LEDs. The book comprises of a valuable reference source for researchers and professionals engaged in the research and development of III-nitrides-based LEDs.

The past three decades have witnessed the great success of lithium-ion batteries, especially in the areas of 3C products, electrical vehicles, and smart grid applications. However, further optimization of the energy/power density, coulombic efficiency, cycle life, charge speed, and environmental adaptability are still needed. To address these issues, a thorough understanding of the reaction inside a battery or dynamic evolution of each component is required. Microscopy and Microanalysis for Lithium-Ion Batteries discusses advanced analytical techniques that offer the capability of resolving the structure and chemistry at an atomic resolution to further drive lithium-ion battery research and development. * Provides comprehensive techniques that probe the fundamentals of Li-ion batteries. * Covers the basic principles of the techniques involved as well as its application in battery research. * Describes details of experimental set-ups and procedure for successful experiments. This reference is aimed at researchers, engineers, and scientists studying lithium-ion batteries including chemical, materials, and electrical engineers, as well as chemists and physicists.

Opto-electronics and electronics are likely to change dramatically in the future. This superb text, written by a collection of acclaimed international researchers, is dedicated to low-dimensional nitride semiconductors, and provides the key to modern electronics, opto-electronics, and nanotechnology. Gil explores why nitride semiconductors are so promising over such a wide range of applications, what the current issues are in the research laboratories, and what the prospects of new electronic devices are in the dawn of the twenty-first century.

The investigation of light-matter interactions in materials, especially those on the nanoscale, represents perhaps the most promising avenue for scientific progress in the fields of photonics and plasmonics. This book examines a variety of topics, starting from fundamental principles, leading to the current state of the art research. For example, this volume includes a chapter on the sensing of biological molecules with optical resonators (microspheres) combined with plasmonic systems, where the response this system are described in a fundamental and elegant manner using coupled mode theory. Symmetry plays a major role in the book. One chapter on time reversal symmetry in electromagnetic theory describes how to control the properties of light (e.g. scattering and directionality of the flow of light) in materials with certain topological invariants. Another chapter where symmetry is prominent reformulates, using a gentle and pedagogical approach, Maxwell's Equations into a new set of fields that reveal a "handedness" symmetry in electromagnetic theory, which can be applied to photonic systems in, for example, the sensing of chiral molecules and understanding the conditions for zero reflection. Also, for students and researchers starting in the field of nanoplasmonics, the book includes a tutorial on the finite element time domain simulation of nanoplasmonic systems. Other topics include photonic systems for quantum computing, nanoplasmonics, and optical properties of nano and bulk materials. The authors take a pedagogical approach to their topic, making the book an excellent reference for graduate students and scientists starting in the fields of photonics or plasmonics.

Designed to sit alongside more conventional established condensed matter physics textbooks, this compact volume offers a concise presentation of the principles of solid state theory, ideal for advanced students and researchers requiring an overview or a quick refresher on a specific topic. The book starts from the one-electron theory of solid state physics, moving through electron-electron interaction and many-body approximation schemes, to lattice oscillations and their interactions with electrons. Subsequent chapters discuss transport theory and optical properties, phase transitions and some properties of low-dimensional semiconductors. This extensively expanded second edition includes new material on adiabatic perturbation theory, kinetic coefficients, the Nyquist theorem, Bose condensation, and the field-theoretical approach to non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics. Throughout the text, mathematical proofs are often only sketched, and the final chapter of the book reviews some of the key concepts and formulae used in theoretical physics. Aimed primarily at graduate and advanced undergraduate students taking courses on condensed matter theory, the book serves as a study guide to reinforce concepts learned through conventional solid state texts. Researchers and lecturers will also find it a useful resource as a concise set of notes on fundamental topics.

This book is the fifth volume in the successful book series Robot Operating System: The Complete Reference. The objective of the book is to provide the reader with comprehensive coverage on the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is currently considered to be the primary development framework for robotics applications, and the latest trends and contributing systems. The content is divided into six parts. Pat I presents for the first time the emerging ROS 2.0 framework, while Part II focuses on multi-robot systems, namely on SLAM and Swarm coordination. Part III provides two chapters on autonomous systems, namely self-driving cars and unmanned aerial systems. In turn, Part IV addresses the contributions of simulation frameworks for ROS. In Part V, two chapters explore robotic manipulators and legged robots. Finally, Part VI presents emerging topics in monocular SLAM and a chapter on fault tolerance systems for ROS. Given its scope, the book will offer a valuable companion for ROS users and developers, helping them deepen their knowledge of ROS capabilities and features.

This volume contains the proceedings of the 1998 International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices and provides an open forum for the presentation of the latest results and trends in modeling and simulation of semiconductor equipment, processes and devices. Topics include: * semiconductor equipment simulation * process modeling and simulation * device modeling and simulation of complex structures * interconnect modeling * integrated systems for process, device, circuit simulation and optimisation * numerical methods and algorithms * compact modeling and parameter extraction * modeling for RF applications * simulation and modeling of new devices (heterojunction based, SET's, quantum effect devices, laser based ...)