High temperature superconducting theory drew controversy after the discovery of superconductors at close to room temperatures. However, a consistent microscopic theory of HT superconductivity based on bipolaron mechanism leads to a better understanding of microscopic and macroscopic description. By presenting aspects of superconductivity now joined in a strict theory rather than separate models this work is especially useful for graduate students.

This book highlights the innovative applications of electromagnetics, optics, thermodynamics theories in creating methods for physical-layer collision prevention- "physical anti-collision" in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. Using engineering mathematical methods as the core of detection and control algorithm design, it proposes semi-physical verification and detection techniques to the dynamic performance testing in RFID systems. The book also introduces the methods to build semi-physical hardware platforms using photoelectric sensing technology. The book provides valuable ideas to the applications of Internet of Things (IOT) systems in smart logistics, car networking, food traceability, anti-counterfeiting and other livelihood fields. It is worth reading for all researchers in IOT and optoelectronic engineering related industries.

This book presents the latest knowledge of the newly discovered Earth-like exoplanets and reviews improvements in both radio and optical SETI. A key aim is to stimulate fresh discussion on algorithms that will be of high value in this extremely complicated search. Exoplanets resembling Earth could well be able to sustain life and support the evolution of technological civilizations, but to date, all searches for such life forms have proved fruitless. The failings of SETI observations are well recognized, and a new search approach is necessary. In this book, different detection algorithms that exploit state-of-the-art, low-cost, and extremely fast multiprocessors are examined and compared. Novel methods such as the agnostic entropy and high-sensitivity blind signal extraction algorithms should represent a quantum leap forward in SETI. The book is of interest to all researchers in the field and hopefully stimulates significant progress in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

This book is a primer on the interplay between plasma and materials in a fusion reactor, so-called plasma-materials interactions (PMIs), highlighting materials and their influence on plasma through PMI. It aims to demonstrate that a plasma-facing surface (PFS) responds actively to fusion plasma and that the clarifying nature of PFS is indispensable to understanding the influence of PFS on plasma. It describes the modern insight into PMI, namely, relevant feedback to plasma performance from plasma-facing material (PFM) on changes in a material surface by plasma power load by radiation and particles, contrary to a conventional view that unilateral influence from plasma on PFM is dominant in PMI. There are many books and reviews on PMI in the context of plasma physics, that is, how plasma or plasma confinement works in PMI. By contrast, this book features a materials aspect in PMI focusing on changes caused by heat and particle load from plasma: how PFMs are changed by plasma exposure and then, accordingly, how the changed PFM interacts with plasma.

This book is about the strategic relevance of quantum technologies. It debates the military-specific aspects of this technology. Various chapters of this book cohere around two specific themes. The first theme discusses the global pattern of ongoing civilian and military research on quantum computers, quantum cryptography, quantum communications and quantum internet. The second theme explicitly identifies the relevance of these technologies in the military domain and the possible nature of quantum technology-based weapons. This thread further debates on quantum (arms) race at a global level in general, and in the context of the USA and China, in particular. The book argues that the defence utility of these technologies is increasingly becoming obvious and is likely to change the nature of warfare in the future.

Plasmonics is a highly dynamic field, and a number of researchers and scientists from other disciplines have become involved in it. This book presents the most widely employed approaches to plasmonics and the numerous applications associated with it. There are several underlying elements in plasmonics research. Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have made possible the fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures, deposition of thin films, and development of highly sensitive optical characterization techniques. The different approaches to nanostructuring metals have led to a wealth of interesting optical properties and functionality via manipulation of the plasmon modes that such structures support. The sensitivity of plasmonic structures to the changes in their local dielectric environment has led to the development of new sensing strategies and systems for chemical analysis and identification. The book discusses all of these aspects.

This book is about algebraic and differential methods, as well as fractional calculus, applied to diagnose and reject faults in nonlinear systems, which are of integer or fractional order. This represents an extension of a very important and widely studied problem in control theory, namely fault diagnosis and rejection (using differential algebraic approaches), to systems presenting fractional dynamics, i.e. systems whose dynamics are represented by derivatives and integrals of non-integer order. The authors offer a thorough overview devoted to fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control applied to fractional-order and integer-order dynamical systems, and they introduce new methodologies for control and observation described by fractional and integer models, together with successful simulations and real-time applications. The basic concepts and tools of mathematics required to understand the methodologies proposed are all clearly introduced and explained. Consequently, the book is useful as supplementary reading in courses of applied mathematics and nonlinear control theory. This book is meant for engineers, mathematicians, physicists and, in general, to researchers and postgraduate students in diverse areas who have a minimum knowledge of calculus. It also contains advanced topics for researchers and professionals interested in the area of states and faults estimation.

This book presents mechanics miniaturization trends explored step by step, starting with the example of the miniaturization of a mechanical calculator. The ultra-miniaturization of mechanical machinery is now approaching the atomic scale. In this book, molecule-gears, trains of molecule-gears, and molecule motors are studied -one molecule at a time- on a solid surface, using scanning probe manipulation protocols and in solution as demonstrated in the European project "MEMO". All scales of mechanical machinery are presented using the various lithography techniques currently available, from the submillimeter to the nanoscale. Researchers and nanomechanical engineers will find new inspirations for the construction of minute mechanical devices which can be used in diverse hostile environments, for example under radiation constraints, on the surface membrane of a living cell or immersed in liquid. The book is presented in a format accessible for university students, in particular for those at the Master and PhD levels.

This book highlights a novel and robust platform in the form of in-situ characterization setup for creating X-ray computed tomography (XCT)-based textile material twins. In this hybrid experimental-numerical platform, XCT images of different complex fibrous reinforcements at different levels of compaction are acquired. The images are converted into computational models for resin flow simulations. The capabilities of this hybrid framework are applied to a variety of reinforcements used in liquid composite molding processes such as 2D, 3D fabrics and dry tapes. This book is a milestone in the development of virtual manufacturing protocols using material twins of textiles, providing a step closer to the digitalization of advanced composites used in manufacturing processes for industry 4.0.

This book offers a practical introduction to helium refrigeration engineering, taking a logical and structured approach to the design, building, commissioning, operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems. It begins with a short refresher of cryogenic principles, and a review of the theory of heat exchangers, allowing the reader to understand the importance of the heat exchanger role in the various thermodynamic cycle structures. The cycles are considered from the simplest (Joule Thomson) to the most complicated ones for the very large refrigeration plants and, finally, those operating at temperatures lower than 4.5 K. The focus then turns to the operation, ability and limitations of the main components, including room temperature cycle screw compressors, heat exchangers, cryogenic expansion turbines, cryogenic centrifugal compressors and circulators. The book also describes the basic principles of process control and studies the operating situations of helium plants, with emphasis on high level efficiency. A major issue is helium purity, and the book explains why helium is polluted, how to purify it and then how to check its purity, to ensure that all components are filled with pure helium prior to starting. Although the intention of the book is not to design thermodynamic cycles, it is of interest to a designer or operator of a cryogenic system to perform some simplified calculations to get an idea of how components or systems are behaving. Throughout the book, such calculations are generally performed using Microsoft (R) Excel and the Gaspak (R) or Hepak (R) software.

This book describes novel approaches designed to enhance the professional training of physics teachers, and explores innovations in the teaching and learning of physics in the classroom and laboratory. It features selected contributions from the International Research Group on Physics Teaching (GIREP) and Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning (MPTL) Conference, held in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, in July 2018, which brought together two communities: researchers in physics education and physics teachers. The book covers a broad range of topics, highlighting important aspects of the relationship between research and innovation in the teaching of physics, and presenting fresh insights to help improve learning processes and instruction. Offering a contemporary vision of physics teaching and the learning process, the book is of interest to all teachers and researchers committed to teaching and learning physics on the basis of good evidence.

This book provides an introduction to the main design principles, methods, procedures, and development trends in spacecraft power systems. It is divided into nine chapters, the first of which covers the classification and main components of primary power system design and power distribution system design. In turn, Chapters 2 to 4 focus on the spacecraft power system design experience and review the latest typical design cases concerning spacecraft power systems in China. More specifically, these chapters also introduce readers to the topological structure and key technologies used in spacecraft power systems. Chapters 5 to 7 address power system reliability and safety design, risk analysis and control, and in-orbit management in China's spacecraft engineering projects. The book's closing chapters provide essential information on new power systems and technologies, such as space nuclear power, micro- and nano-satellite power systems, and space energy interconnection systems. An outlook on future development trends rounds out the coverage.

This book highlights how the properties and structure of materials are affected by dynamic high pressures generated by explosions, projectile impacts, laser compression, electric discharge or ball milling. Starting with the basics of shock-wave physics and an outline of experimental techniques, it then surveys dynamic compressibility and equations of state of various substances, phase transitions and syntheses of novel compounds under shock. It covers various industrial applications including hardening of metals and grinding (fragmentation) of solids, saturation of solids with defects for use as catalysts, production of superhard materials (synthetic diamond, BN (boron nitride)) and nanomaterials, especially nanodiamond, and discusses state-of-the-art techniques such as combining dynamic and static compression to obtain monolithic materials.

The present book provides to the main ideas and techniques of the rapid progressing field of quantum information and quantum computation using isotope - mixed materials. It starts with an introduction to the isotope physics and then describes of the isotope - based quantum information and quantum computation. The ability to manipulate and control electron and/or nucleus spin in semiconductor devices provides a new route to expand the capabilities of inorganic semiconductor-based electronics and to design innovative devices with potential application in quantum computing. One of the major challenges towards these objectives is to develop semiconductor-based systems and architectures in which the spatial distribution of spins and their properties can be controlled. For instance, to eliminate electron spin decoherence resulting from hyperfine interaction due to nuclear spin background, isotopically controlled devices are needed (i.e., nuclear spin-depleted). In other emerging concepts, the control of the spatial distribution of isotopes with nuclear spins is a prerequisite to implement the quantum bits (or qbits). Therefore, stable semiconductor isotopes are important elements in the development of solid-state quantum information. There are not only different algorithms of quantum computation discussed but also the different models of quantum computers are presented. With numerous illustrations this small book is of great interest for undergraduate students taking courses in mesoscopic physics or nanoelectronics as well as quantum information, and academic and industrial researches working in this field.

This book explores key techniques and methods in electromagnetic compatibility management, analysis, design, improvement and test verification for spacecraft. The first part introduces the general EMC technology of spacecraft, the electromagnetic interference control method and management of electromagnetic compatibility. The second part discusses the EMC prediction analysis technique and its application in spacecraft, while the third presents the EMC design of spacecraft modules and typical equipment. The final two parts address spacecraft magnetic design testing technologies and spacecraft testing technologies. The book also covers the program control test process, the special power control unit (PCU), electric propulsion, PIM test and multipaction testing for spacecraft, making it a valuable resource for researchers and engineers alike.

Changes and additions to the new edition of this classic textbook include a new chapter on symmetries, new problems and examples, improved explanations, more numerical problems to be worked on a computer, new applications to solid state physics, and consolidated treatment of time-dependent potentials.

This book explains in layman's terms how CMOS transistors work. The author explains step-by-step how CMOS transistors are built, along with an explanation of the purpose of each process step. He describes for readers the key inventions and developments in science and engineering that overcame huge obstacles, enabling engineers to shrink transistor area by over 1 million fold and build billions of transistor switches that switch over a billion times a second, all on a piece of silicon smaller than a thumbnail.

This book presents concepts of theoretical physics with engineering applications. The topics are of an intense mathematical nature involving tools like probability and random processes, ordinary and partial differential equations, linear algebra and infinite-dimensional operator theory, perturbation theory, stochastic differential equations, and Riemannian geometry. These mathematical tools have been applied to study problems in mechanics, fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, nonlinear dynamical systems, general relativity, cosmology, and electrodynamics. A particularly interesting topic of research interest developed in this book is the design of quantum unitary gates of large size using the Feynman diagrammatic approach to quantum field theory. Through this book, the reader will be able to observe how basic physics can revolutionize technology and also how diverse branches of mathematical physics like large deviation theory, quantum field theory, general relativity, and electrodynamics have many common issues that provide the starting point for unifying the whole of physics, namely in the formulation of Grand Unified Theories (GUTS).

This book systematically introduces readers to the fundamental physics and a broad range of applications of acoustic levitation, one of the most promising techniques for the container-free handling of small solid particles and liquid droplets. As it does away with the need for solid walls and can easily be incorporated into analysis instruments, acoustic levitation has attracted considerable research interest in many fields, from fluid physics to material science. The book offers a comprehensive overview of acoustic levitation, including the history of acoustic radiation force; the design and development of acoustic levitators; the technology's applications, ranging from drop dynamics studies to bio/chemical analysis; and the insightful perspectives that the technique provides. It also discusses the latest advances in the field, from experiments to numerical simulations. As such, the book provides readers with a clearer understanding of acoustic levitation, while also stimulating new research areas for scientists and engineers in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and other related fields.

This brief presents methods for anti-windup control in the presence of saturating sensors, arbitrary external reference inputs, and constant or step-like disturbance inputs. It also offers techniques to assure windup prevention when both the input and the output signals are limited and this for systems with one input (SISO) and multiple inputs (MIMO). The emphasis in both is on real-world practicality rather than rigorously proven stability. Two novel solutions for anti-windup control are explored. The first approach, for SISO systems only, follows the classic design paradigm of anti-windup control: design an arbitrary linear compensator and add appropriate measures for their prevention if saturation causes stability problems. This uses a saturation indicator detecting the presence, but not the extent of saturation. The second methodology uses a compensator design that assures the desired rejection of persistent disturbances without jeopardizing closed-loop stability, and can be applied to SISO and MIMO systems alike. Containing worked examples that can be reproduced by the reader, illustrative simulations, and open problems for future research, Windup in Control Owing to Sensor Saturation will be of interest to both academics and engineers in the fields of control and process industries.

This book elaborates on the physical principles of polarization remote sensing. It explains the reflective characteristics of surface objects and atmosphere separately, including theory, experiment, instrument and application. In addition, it introduces how polarization remote sensing works in advanced research programs as it can be used in aviation, astronomy, disaster risk prevention and navigation fields. This book serves as a fundamental and comprehensive reference for researchers and students.

Written by the inventors and leading experts of this new field, the book results from the International Symposium on "Atomic Switch: Invention, Practical use and Future Prospects" which took place in Tsukuba, Japan on March 27th - 28th, 2017. The book chapters cover the different trends from the science and technology of atomic switches to their applications like brain-type information processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and completely novel functional electronic nanodevices. The current practical uses of the atomic switch are also described. As compared with the conventional semiconductor transistor switch, the atomic switch is more compact (~1/10) with much lower power consumption (~1/10) and scarcely influenced by strong electromagnetic noise and radiation including cosmic rays in space (~1/100). As such, this book is of interest to researchers, scholars and students willing to explore new materials, to refine the nanofabrication methods and to explore new and efficient device architectures.

This book cuts across the divisions of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. It describes new methods for creating -conjugated porphyrin oligomers with precisely defined sequences of zinc and copper metal cations, and how EPR spectroscopy was used to investigate the dipolar and exchange coupling between the paramagnetic copper(II) centres. Porphyrins are a group of heterocyclic macrocycle organic compounds that play an important role in our everyday life and can for example be found in blood where they form a red complex with iron (haem). Various metallic elements can be inserted into a porphyrin and changing the coordinated metal is an excellent way to influence the chemical and physical properties of these molecules. Focusing on 3 metals - zinc, magnesium and copper - the author established new methods for creating -conjugated porphyrin oligomers and lastly presents the synthesis and investigation of two novel porphyrin nanoballs. Giving the template-directed strategy the author developed for constructing these molecules, this work could provide access to other related nano-cages.

In this modern and distinctive textbook, Helliwell and Sahakian present classical mechanics as a thriving and contemporary field with strong connections to cutting-edge research topics in physics. Each part of the book concludes with a capstone chapter describing various key topics in quantum mechanics, general relativity, and other areas of modern physics, clearly demonstrating how they relate to advanced classical mechanics, and enabling students to appreciate the central importance of classical mechanics within contemporary fields of research. Numerous and detailed examples are interleaved with theoretical content, illustrating abstract concepts more concretely. Extensive problem sets at the end of each chapter further reinforce students' understanding of key concepts, and provide opportunities for assessment or self-testing. A detailed online solutions manual and lecture slides accompany the text for instructors. Often a flexible approach is required when teaching advanced classical mechanics, and, to facilitate this, the authors have outlined several paths instructors and students can follow through the book, depending on background knowledge and the length of their course.

This open access book examines key aspects of international cooperation to enhance nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and nonproliferation, thereby assisting in development and maintenance of the verification regime and fostering progress toward a nuclear weapon-free world. Current challenges are discussed and attempts made to identify possible solutions and future improvements, considering scientific developments that have the potential to increase the effectiveness of implementation of international regimes, particularly in critical areas, technology foresight, and the ongoing evaluation of current capabilities.