Recent studies indicate that China accounts for about 96 percent of the world's supply of rare earth materials (REMs). With REMs becoming increasingly important for a growing number of high-tech applications, appropriate action must be taken to mitigate the effects of a shortage of critical REMs in defense systems and components. Bringing together information previously available only from disparate journal articles and databases, Rare Earth Materials: Properties and Applications describes the unique characteristics and applications of 17 REMs. It defines their chemical, electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics. Maintaining a focus on physical and chemical properties, it addresses the history and critical issues pertaining to mining and processing of REMs. In this book, Dr. A.R. Jha continues his distinguished track record of distilling complex theoretical physical concepts into an understandable technical framework that can be extended to practical applications across commercial and industrial frameworks. He summarizes the chemical, optical, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and spectroscopic properties of REMs best suited for next-generation commercial and military systems or equipment. Coverage includes extraction, recycling, refinement, visual inspection, identification of spectroscopic parameters, quality control, element separation based on specific application, pricing control, and environmental / geo-political considerations. Potential applications are identified with an emphasis on scientific instruments, nuclear resonance imaging equipment, MRI systems, magnetic couplers for uranium enrichment equipment, battery-electrodes, electric motors, electric generators, underwater sensors, and commercial and military sensors. The book describes unique applications of rare earth magnets in all-electric and hybrid electric cars and microwave components. It also considers the use of rare earth magnets in commercial and military systems where weight and size are the critical design requirements. Suitable for both students and design engineers involved in the development of high-technology components or systems, the book concludes by summarizing future applications in electro-optic systems and components, including infrared lasers, diode-pumped solid-state lasers operating at room temperatures, and other sophisticated military and commercial test equipment

This book provides a broad and complete introductions to the molecular structure, novel and anomalous properties, nonlinear excitations, soliton motions, magnetization, and biological effects of water. These subjects are described by both experimental results and theoretical analyses. These contents are very interesting and helpful to elucidate and explain the problem of "what is on earth water". This book contains the research results of the author and plenty of scientists in recent decades."Water: Molecular Structure and Properties" is self-contained and unified in presentation. It may be used as an advanced textbook by graduate students and even ambitious undergraduates in Physics and Biology. It is also suitable for the researchers and engineers in Physics, Biology and water science.

This book presents authoritative, interdisciplinary coverage of contemporary topics in the field of carbon chemistry and physics and clearly shows the diversity and universality of carbon research. It is useful for readers working in the general area of carbon adsorbents.

This unique volume provides a broad introduction to plasmon resonances in nanoparticles and their novel applications. Here, plasmon resonances are treated as an eigenvalue problem for specific boundary integral equations and general physical properties of plasmon spectrum are studied in detail. The coupling of incident radiation to specific plasmon modes, the time dynamics of their excitation and dephasing are also analytically treated. Finally, the applications of plasmon resonances to SERS, light controllability (gating) of plasmon resonances in semiconductor nanoparticles, the use of plasmon resonances in thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR), as well as in all-optical magnetic recording and for enhancement of magneto-optic effects are presented.

Describing all aspects of the physics of transition metal compounds, this book provides a comprehensive overview of this unique and diverse class of solids. Beginning with the basic concepts of the physics of strongly correlated electron systems, the structure of transition metal ions, and the behaviours of transition metal ions in crystals, it goes on to cover more advanced topics such as metal-insulator transitions, orbital ordering, and novel phenomena such as multiferroics, systems with oxygen holes, and high-Tc superconductivity. Each chapter concludes with a summary of key facts and concepts, presenting all the most important information in a consistent and concise manner. Set within a modern conceptual framework, and providing a complete treatment of the fundamental factors and mechanisms that determine the properties of transition metal compounds, this is an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers and industrial practitioners in solid state physics and chemistry, materials science, and inorganic chemistry.

CD and MCD spectroscopy can provide key information about the conformations and electronic states of chromophore containing molecules. However, the theory has remained too challenging and inaccessible for many organic chemists and biochemists and only a few researchers have carried out detailed quantitative analyses of their spectral data. This is not surprising as people who excel at spectroscopic theory usually lack the skills set required to design and synthesise the molecules that would be most appropriate for describing and explaining the theory of CD and MCD spectroscopy. Most of the books that have been written on the subject have, therefore, been based on very dense sets of mathematical equations. This timely book rectifies that situation by summarizing the relationship between the different types of spectra and by describing in detail the qualitative and quantitative methods which can readily be used to analyse CD and MCD spectral data. During the last decade the authors have successfully synthesized several molecules to illustrate key points related to the theory of CD and MCD spectroscopy, resulting in this definitive book providing key practical knowledge in a readily accessible style. It is aimed primarily at organic chemists and biochemists and provides the required reading for researchers active in the field. In the introduction, the book describes the types of information that can be derived from CD and MCD spectroscopy. After a detailed explanation of the theory of electronic absorption spectroscopy, it then provides practical in depth examples of the various analytical methods that can be carried out with CD and MCD spectral data. This makes the theory of these techniques much more accessible for researchers who do not specialise in physical chemistry.

Metal phosphonate chemistry is a highly interdisciplinary field, as it encompasses several other areas, such as materials chemistry, gas storage, pharmaceutics, corrosion control, classical chemical synthesis, X-Ray crystallography, powder diffraction, etc. It has also acquired additional significance due to "Metal-Organic Frameworks," as evidenced by the hundreds of papers published each year. Currently there is no other book on the topic and this book fills the gap in the literature by summarising in a concise way the latest developments in the field. Metal phosphonate chemistry has seen impressive growth in the last 15-20 years and there is a clear need to systematize and organize all this growth. This unique book accomplishes just that need - edited by two experts, it includes contributions from other experienced researchers and organises, cateqorises and presents in an attractive way the latest hot topics in metal phosphonate chemistry and related applications. With an extensive bibliography, it is a great reference for academic and industrial researchers as well as students working in the field and will act as a starting point for further exploration of the literature. It is also of great interest to scientists working in the broader area of metal-organic frameworks and their applications.

Hydrogen is widely billed as the fuel of the future. For this to be a reality there is a pressing need for a safe, economic and reliable way to transport hydrogen, particularly for automotive applications. This has prompted a world-wide effort to develop novel materials that are re-usable and capable of storing and releasing significant (> 6 wt%) quantities of hydrogen. In addition to compressed (either liquid or gaseous) hydrogen, two main themes are being explored: adsorption of hydrogen by materials and "chemical hydrogen" where hydrogen is reacted with a material. The discussion will focus on both themes, from synthesis and characterisation to application of such novel materials. The focus will be on the wider issues involved in synthetic routes, characterisation, materials properties, rather than simply on examples. The importance of the interplay of theory and experiment will be stressed. Faraday Discussion 151, organised by the Faraday Division, aims to bring together the diverse range of workers in the field of hydrogen storage materials, from those involved in materials discovery and characterisation, to those studying mechanisms or developing applications. The Discussion will both inform people of alternative strategies and encourage new ideas and approaches. The themes cover: -Application of theory and spectroscopic methods to understand hydrogenation/dehydrogenation mechanisms -Novel approaches such as catalysed hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of organic molecules, encapsulation of nanosized materials in carbon or polymers -Chemical hydrogen: characterisation and properties of main group and transition metal borohydrides and alanates, ternary and quaternary metal hydrides, reactive hydride composites -Adsorbed/physisorbed hydrogen on or in MOFs, promoted carbons and other materials with large internal or external surface area -Applications including uses for automotives and novel battery materials

Written for students taking the A-level examinations, this textbook covers essential topics under the University of Cambridge stipulated A-level chemistry syllabus. It is written in such a way as to guide the reader through the understanding and applications of essential chemical concepts by introducing a discourse feature - the asking and answering of questions - that stimulates coherent thinking and hence, elucidates ideas. Based on the Socratic Method, questions are implanted throughout the book to help facilitate the reader's development in forming logical conclusions of concepts. The book helps students to master fundamental chemical concepts in a simple way.Topics are explored through an explanatory and inquiry-based approach. They are interrelated and easy to understand, with succinct explanations/examples being included, especially on areas that students frequently find difficult. Topics address the whys and hows behind key concepts to be mastered, so that the concepts are made understandable and intuitive for students. The focus is on conceptual learning so as to equip students with knowledge for critical learning and problem solving.Existing A-levels textbooks and guidebooks generally introduce concepts in a matter-of-fact manner. This book adds a unique pedagogical edge which few can rival. Through their many years of teaching experiences, the authors have acquired a sound awareness of common students' misconceptions which are relayed through the questions and thus help to reinforce concepts learnt.

Over the last fifteen years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have mostly been used as ancillary ligands for the preparation of transition metal-based catalysts. Compared to phosphorus-containing ligands, NHCs tend to bind more strongly to metal centres, avoiding the necessity for the use of excess ligand in catalytic reactions. The corresponding complexes are often less sensitive to air and moisture, and have proven remarkably resistant to oxidation. Recent developments in catalysis applications have been facilitated by the availability of carbenes stable enough to be bottled, particularly for their use as organocatalysts. This book shows how N-heterocyclic carbenes can be useful in various fields of chemistry and not merely laboratory curiosities or simple phosphine mimics. NHCs are best known for their contribution to ruthenium and palladium-catalysed reactions but the scope of this book is much broader. The synthesis of NHC ligands and their corresponding metal complexes are covered in depth. Moreover, the biological activity of NHC-containing complexes, as well as an overview of their theoretical aspects are included. Such metal species are further examined, not only in terms of their catalytic applications, but also of their stereoelectronic parameters and reactivity/stability. Finally, special attention is given to the hot topic of organocatalysis. The book will be of interest to postgraduates, academic researchers and those working in industry.

As 2019 has been declared the International Year of the Periodic Table, it is appropriate that Structure and Bonding marks this anniversary with two special volumes. In 1869 Dmitri Ivanovitch Mendeleev first proposed his periodic table of the elements. He is given the major credit for proposing the conceptual framework used by chemists to systematically inter-relate the chemical properties of the elements. However, the concept of periodicity evolved in distinct stages and was the culmination of work by other chemists over several decades. For example, Newland's Law of Octaves marked an important step in the evolution of the periodic system since it represented the first clear statement that the properties of the elements repeated after intervals of 8. Mendeleev's predictions demonstrated in an impressive manner how the periodic table could be used to predict the occurrence and properties of new elements. Not all of his many predictions proved to be valid, but the discovery of scandium, gallium and germanium represented sufficient vindication of its utility and they cemented its enduring influence. Mendeleev's periodic table was based on the atomic weights of the elements and it was another 50 years before Moseley established that it was the atomic number of the elements, that was the fundamental parameter and this led to the prediction of further elements. Some have suggested that the periodic table is one of the most fruitful ideas in modern science and that it is comparable to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, proposed at approximately the same time. There is no doubt that the periodic table occupies a central position in chemistry. In its modern form it is reproduced in most undergraduate inorganic textbooks and is present in almost every chemistry lecture room and classroom. This second volume provides chemists with an overview of the important role played by the Periodic Table in advancing our knowledge of solid state and bioinorganic chemistry. It also illustrates how it has been used to fine-tune the properties of compounds which have found commercial applications in catalysis, electronics, ceramics and in medicinal chemistry.

The role of metal ions in protein folding and structure is a critical topic to a range of scientists in numerous fields, particularly those working in structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry, those studying protein folding and disease, and those involved in the molecular and cellular aspects of metals in biological systems. Protein Folding and Metal Ions: Mechanisms, Biology and Disease presents the contributions of a cadre of international experts who offer a comprehensive exploration of this timely subject at the forefront of current research. Divided into four sections, this volume: Provides case study examples of protein folding and stability studies in particular systems or proteins that comprise different metal ions of co-factors Reviews the proteins that shuttle metal ions in the cell to a particular target metalloprotein Illustrates how metal binding can be connected to pathological protein conformations in unrelated diseases, from cancer to protein deposition disorders such as Parkinson's disease Addresses protein redesign of metal-containing proteins by computational methods, folding simulation studies, and work on model peptides - dissecting the relative energetic contribution of metals sites to protein folding and stability Together, the 13 chapters in this text cogently describe the state of the science today, illuminate current challenges, propose future possibilities, and encourage further study in this area that offers much promise especially with regard to novel approaches to the treatment of some of the most challenging and tragic diseases.

This book summarises approaches and current practices in actinide immobilisation using chemically-durable crystalline materials such as ceramics and monocrystals.As a result of the increasing worldwide growth of the nuclear industry, long-lived -emitting actinides such as Pu, Np, Am and Cm are fast becoming a serious environmental concern - actinide-bearing wastes have accumulated in different countries due to nuclear weapons production. On the other hand, as actinides are chemical elements with unique properties they could be beneficially used for humankind in areas such as medicine and technology. Durable actinide-containing materials are attractive for various applications. These include in chemically-inert sources of -irradiation used for a variety of functions such as energy sources for unmanned space vehicles and microelectronic devices, as well as hosts for nuclear waste and in nuclear fuels to burn excess Pu.Unfortunately, there is currently no appropriate balance between safe actinide disposal and use, even though both processes require their immobilisation in a durable host material. Thus, the choice of an optimal actinide immobilisation route is often a great challenge for specialists.Although a wealth of information exists about actinide properties in many publications, little has been published summarising currently accepted approaches and practices for actinide immobilisation. Crystalline Materials for Actinide Immobilisation fills this gap using information based on the authors' first-hand experience and studies in nuclear materials management and actinide immobilisation.

Inorganic chemistry continues to generate much current interest due to its array of applications, ranging from materials to biology and medicine. Techniques in Inorganic Chemistry assembles a collection of articles from international experts who describe modern methods used by research students and chemists for studying the properties and structures of inorganic chemicals.

Crystallography and diffraction methods

The book begins by examining developments in small-molecule x-ray crystallography. It identifies some of the major advances, discusses current attitudes toward crystallography and its uses, and considers challenges and future prospects. It then examines how ab initio x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods are used to determine structure, with discussions on metal pyrazolates, metal imidazolates, and metal pyrimidinolates. This is followed by a description of single crystal neutron diffraction, a powerful structural technique. The text highlights what can presently be achieved in neutron diffraction and discusses future applications of neutron scattering.

Quantum chemistry

Reflecting the popularity of density functional calculations, the book includes a chapter that focuses on quantum chemistry. It examines the latest computational techniques and describes how these techniques can be applied to solve a wide range of real-world problems encountered in the realm of inorganic chemistry and particularly in transition metal chemistry. It also explains the intelligent use of quantum chemical methods for the determination of molecular structure, reactivity, and spectra of coordination and organometallic compounds.

Spectroscopy

Lastly, the text explores important spectroscopic approaches. It first describes intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) NMR experiments and diffusion experiments, offering examples that demonstrate theoretical aspects of the methodology. The final chapter summarizes recent experimental and theoretical work on pressure effects on the d-d and luminescence spectra of transition metal complexes.

Derived from select articles in Comments on Inorganic Chemistry, this volume provides a solid background in the array of techniques available in the researcher's toolkit.

The series Structure and Bonding publishes critical reviews on topics of research concerned with chemical structure and bonding. The scope of the series spans the entire Periodic Table and addresses structure and bonding issues associated with all of the elements. It also focuses attention on new and developing areas of modern structural and theoretical chemistry such as nanostructures, molecular electronics, designed molecular solids, surfaces, metal clusters and supramolecular structures. Physical and spectroscopic techniques used to determine, examine and model structures fall within the purview of Structure and Bonding to the extent that the focus is on the scientific results obtained and not on specialist information concerning the techniques themselves. Issues associated with the development of bonding models and generalizations that illuminate the reactivity pathways and rates of chemical processes are also relevant. The individual volumes in the series are thematic. The goal of each volume is to give the reader, whether at a university or in industry, a comprehensive overview of an area where new insights are emerging that are of interest to a larger scientific audience. Thus each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years should be presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. A description of the physical basis of the experimental techniques that have been used to provide the primary data may also be appropriate, if it has not been covered in detail elsewhere. The coverage need not be exhaustive in data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the new principles being developed that will allow the reader, who is not a specialist in the area covered, to understand the data presented. Discussion of possible future research directions in the area is welcomed. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research scientists at universities or in industry, graduate students Special offer For all customers who have a standing order to the print version of Structure and Bonding, we offer free access to the electronic volumes of the Series published in the current year via SpringerLink.

New procedures and compounds for students and professionals in the field of inorganic chemistry

The Inorganic Syntheses series provides all users of inorganic substances with detailed and foolproof procedures for the preparation of important and timely compounds. In Volume 33, editor Dimitri Coucouvanis collects syntheses that present new or revised experimental procedures that are applicable to a variety of related compounds, as well as syntheses of individual compounds that are of interest or importance. Chapter topics are comprised of syntheses of selected supramolecules, useful reagents/ligands, solid state materials/clusters, and compounds of general interest, including mesityl-gold (I)complexes and zero valent binuclear nickel complexes, among many others

All the syntheses presented have been tested. Inorganic, organic, and organometallic chemists, as well as materials scientists, instructors, and graduate students will find the research, methods, and compounds contained here invaluable to their scientific pursuits.

Gold is used in a wide range of industrial and medical applications and accounts for over 10 percent of the annual demand for metal, worth billions of dollars annually. While much has been written about the mystique and trade of gold, very little has been written about the science and technology in which it is involved. Edited by two respected authorities from the World Gold Council, Gold: Science and Applications provides researchers with the definitive handbook on the current science and applications of this valuable and beautiful precious metal. Packed with contributions from the world's leading experts, this volume brings in authoritative information from a number of sciences, including chemistry, physics, nanotechnology and metallurgy. The book presents a myriad of applications, ranging from electronics to medicine and optics. A comprehensive overview chapter provides historical perspectives of the element and each chapter describes potential further uses, including applications currently being developed. Gold Applications in Use Today Include: Medical Dental Electronics Engineering Industrial Pollution Control Photography Catalysts Nanotechnology

This volume highlights the recent advances and state of art in the experimental and theoretical studies of organometallic magnets. A plethora of organic ligands such as Mannich-base derivatives, redox-active chromophores, cyanides, Schiff base among others are used to coordinate to 3d transition metals, 4f lanthanides and 5f actinides to design the molecular magnets. Deep analysis of the coordination sphere symmetry, electronic distribution, luminescence are investigated to perform magneto-structural correlation leading to a better understanding of the magnetic properties. Furthermore, the rationalization of the magnetic behavior can be reached using ab initio calculations. The multiple applications that these molecular magnets offer could revolutionize the high-density data storage, spintronics and quantum computing technologies. This volume provides a discussion of these topics from leading international experts and will be a useful reference for researchers working in this field.

Ring systems represent a very important branch of organic chemistry. Benzene is perhaps the pre-eminent example and provides the benchmark for the so-called aromatic character of cyclic systems. Cycloalkanes are another prominent class of organic compounds and these saturated ring systems form a homologous series known as alicyclics. Materials that are constructed from organic polymers such as polythene, polystyrene, polyisoprene (natural rubber) and polyvinyl chloride are common features of our daily lives. Most of these and related organic polymers are generated from acyclic precursors by free radical, anionic, cationic or organometallic polymerisation processes or by condensation reactions. The focus of this book is monocyclic inorganic ring systems of the p-block elements and the polymers that are, in many cases derived from them. Bicyclic or polycyclic arrangements are considered when they are closely related to those of monocyclic systems. Inorganic heterocycles that are more accurately described as coordination complexes of chelating inorganic ligands are included only when they are directly related to an inorganic homocycle or heterocycle by the replacement of one p-block element by a more metallic p-block element. After a short introductory chapter, the first half of the book is comprised of seven chapters that deal with the fundamentals of the subject intended for undergraduates or researchers who are unfamiliar with the topic, covering the following areas: - synthetic methods - characterisation techniques - delocalisation in inorganic rings - paramagnetic inorganic rings - inorganic macrocycles - ligand chemistry - inorganic polymers (general concepts including, synthesis, structure and bonding, characterisation methods, properties and applications) The final four chapters discuss in detail the chemistry of inorganic homo- and hetero-cycles involving the elements of groups 13-16 (the p-block elements). The focus is on relating the early seminal contributions to the field with exciting new developments. From the fundamental standpoint, novel structures and new bonding concepts are highlighted, in addition to synthetic approaches. This is the first book that addresses both the fundamental and applied aspects of inorganic ring systems through an emphasis of their use as precursors to inorganic polymers and other useful materials (e.g. semiconductors and ceramics). The book is intended primarily for senior undergraduates and graduate students in inorganic chemistry, as well research workers in the field of inorganic ring systems and polymers. At the undergraduate level it serves as a supplementary text to the more general inorganic chemistry text books and at the graduate level it would be the text of choice for a course in the area of inorganic rings and polymers.

Solid-state chemistry is becoming increasingly important as its relevance is recognized in subjects as diverse as superconductivity and heterogeneous catalysis. There has been a long-felt need for an authoritative account of the properties of inorganic solids and of the methods for studying them, written at a level suitable for final-year undergraduates studying the subject as a special topic or for first-year graduate students embarking on research in the field. This and the previous volume aim to fill that gap.

This second volume deals with the electronic structure and bonding in solids, and then focuses on several important classes of inorganic compounds.

The book provides an in-depth discussion regarding inorganic ion exchangers for students, teachers, and researchers engaged in conducting research in chemical technology and related areas. Analytical chemists seeking simple and novel means of using easy-to-prepare chromatographic materials will find this book extremely informative. Inorganic Ion Exchangers in Chemical Analysis is unique in its discussion of column and planar chromatographic applications of amorphous synthetic inorganic ion exchangers. The book also covers the historical background of iorganic ion exchangers, their classification and present status, and the analytical aspects of these materials.

This book is wholly devoted to Ca2+ metal ion, as it is so important in regulating a wide variety of biological activities. It deals with calcium and brain proteins, the role of ca2+ in exocytosis, blood coagulation, and the regulation of the skeletal muscle contraction-relaxation cycle.

It has long been recognized that metal spin states play a central role in the reactivity of important biomolecules, in industrial catalysis and in spin crossover compounds. As the fields of inorganic chemistry and catalysis move towards the use of cheap, non-toxic first row transition metals, it is essential to understand the important role of spin states in influencing molecular structure, bonding and reactivity. Spin States in Biochemistry and Inorganic Chemistry provides a complete picture on the importance of spin states for reactivity in biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, presenting both theoretical and experimental perspectives. The successes and pitfalls of theoretical methods such as DFT, ligand-field theory and coupled cluster theory are discussed, and these methods are applied in studies throughout the book. Important spectroscopic techniques to determine spin states in transition metal complexes and proteins are explained, and the use of NMR for the analysis of spin densities is described. Topics covered include: * DFT and ab initio wavefunction approaches to spin states * Experimental techniques for determining spin states * Molecular discovery in spin crossover * Multiple spin state scenarios in organometallic reactivity and gas phase reactions * Transition-metal complexes involving redox non-innocent ligands * Polynuclear iron sulfur clusters * Molecular magnetism * NMR analysis of spin densities This book is a valuable reference for researchers working in bioinorganic and inorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, spin-crossover materials, materials science, biophysics and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Powder diffraction is a widely used scientific technique in the characterization of materials with broad application in materials science, chemistry, physics, geology, pharmacology and archaeology. Powder Diffraction: Theory and Practice provides an advanced introductory text about modern methods and applications of powder diffraction in research and industry. The authors begin with a brief overview of the basic theory of diffraction from crystals and powders. Data collection strategies are described including x-ray, neutron and electron diffraction setups using modern day apparatus including synchrotron sources. Data corrections, essential for quantitative analysis are covered before the authors conclude with a discussion of the analysis methods themselves. The information is presented in a way that facilitates understanding the information content of the data, as well as best practices for collecting and analyzing data for quantitative analysis. This long awaited book condenses the knowledge of renowned experts in the field into a single, authoritative, overview of the application of powder diffraction in modern materials research. The book contains essential theory and introductory material for students and researchers wishing to learn how to apply the frontier methods of powder diffraction

This book presents the recent advances in the field of nanoscale science and engineering of ferroelectric thin films. It comprises two main parts, i.e. electrical characterization in nanoscale ferroelectric capacitor, and nano domain manipulation and visualization in ferroelectric materials. Well known le'adingexperts both in relevant academia and industry over the world (U.S., Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Korea) were invited to contribute to each chapter. The first part under the title of electrical characterization in nanoscale ferroelectric capacitors starts with Chapter 1, "Testing and characterization of ferroelectric thin film capacitors," written by Dr. I. K. Yoo. The author provides a comprehensive review on basic concepts and terminologies of ferroelectric properties and their testing methods. This chapter also covers reliability issues in FeRAMs that are crucial for commercialization of high density memory products. In Chapter 2, "Size effects in ferroelectric film capacitors: role ofthe film thickness and capacitor size," Dr. I. Stolichnov discusses the size effects both in in-plane and out-of-plane dimensions of the ferroelectric thin film. The author successfully relates the electric performance and domain dynamics with proposed models of charge injection and stress induced phase transition. The author's findings present both a challenging problem and the clue to its solution of reliably predicting the switching properties for ultra-thin ferroelectric capacitors. In Chapter 3, "Ferroelectric thin films for memory applications: nanoscale characterization by scanning force microscopy," Prof. A."