Swarm intelligence algorithms are a form of nature-based optimization algorithms. Their main inspiration is the cooperative behavior of animals within specific communities. This can be described as simple behaviors of individuals along with the mechanisms for sharing knowledge between them, resulting in the complex behavior of the entire community. Examples of such behavior can be found in ant colonies, bee swarms, schools of fish or bird flocks. Swarm intelligence algorithms are used to solve difficult optimization problems for which there are no exact solving methods or the use of such methods is impossible, e.g. due to unacceptable computational time. This set comprises two volumes: Swarm Intelligence Algorithms: A Tutorial and Swarm Intelligence Algorithms: Modifications and Applications. The first volume thoroughly presents the basics of 24 algorithms selected from the entire family of swarm intelligence algorithms. It contains a detailed explanation of how each algorithm works, along with relevant program codes in Matlab and the C ++ programming language, as well as numerical examples illustrating step-by-step how individual algorithms work. The second volume describes selected modifications of these algorithms and presents their practical applications. This book presents 24 swarm algorithms together with their modifications and practical applications. Each chapter is devoted to one algorithm. It contains a short description along with a pseudo-code showing the various stages of its operation. In addition, each chapter contains a description of selected modifications of the algorithm and shows how it can be used to solve a selected practical problem.

This book covers advancements of power electronic converters and their control techniques for grid integration of large-scale renewable energy sources and electrical vehicles. Major emphasis is on transformer-less direct grid integration, bidirectional power transfer, compensation of grid power quality issues, DC system protection and grounding, interaction in mixed AC/DC systems, AC and DC system stability, design of high-frequency high power density systems with advanced soft magnetic materials, modeling and simulation of mixed AC/DC systems, switching strategies for enhanced efficiency, and protection and reliability for sustainable grid integration. This book is an invaluable resource for professionals active in the field of renewable energy and power conversion. Md. Rabiul Islam received his PhD from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. He was appointed as a Lecturer at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) in 2005 and promoted to full-term Professor in 2017. In early 2018, he joined the School of Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia. He is a Senior Member of IEEE. His research interests include the fields of power electronic converters, renewable energy technologies, power quality, electrical machines, electric vehicles, and smart grids. He has authored or coauthored more than 200 publications including 50 IEEE Transactions/IEEE Journal papers. He has been serving as an editor for IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion and IEEE Power Engineering Letters, and associate editor for IEEE Access. Md. Rakibuzzaman Shah is a Senior Lecturer with the School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Science at Federation University Australia. He has worked and consulted with distribution network operators and transmission system operators on individual projects and has done collaborative work on a large number of projects (EPSRC project on multi-terminal HVDC, Scottish and Southern Energy multi-infeed HVDC) - primarily on the dynamic impact of integrating new technologies and power electronics into large systems. He is an active member of the IEEE and CIGRE. He has more than 70 international publications and has spoken at the leading power system conferences around the world. His research interests include future power grids (i.e., renewable energy integration, wide-area control), asynchronous grid connection through VSC-HVDC, application of data mining in power system, distribution system energy management, and low carbon energy systems. Mohd. Hasan Ali is currently an Associate Professor with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Memphis, USA, where he leads the Electric Power and Energy Systems (EPES) Laboratory. His research interests include advanced power systems, smart-grid and microgrid systems, renewable energy systems, and cybersecurity issues in modern power grids. Dr. Ali has more than 190 publications, including 2 books, 4 book chapters, 2 patents, 60 top ranked journal papers, 96 peer-reviewed international conference papers, and 20 national conference papers. He serves as the editor of the IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy and IET-Generation, Transmission and Distribution (GTD) journal. Dr. Ali is a Senior Member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES). He is also the Chair of the PES of the IEEE Memphis Section.

This book is intended to be a textbook for undergraduate students studying electrical and electronic engineering in universities and colleges. Therefore, the level and amount of the knowledge to be transferred to the reader is kept to as much as what can be taught in one academic semester of a university or a college course. Although the subject is rather classical and somehow well established in some respects, it is vast and can be difficult to grasp if unnecessary details are not avoided. This book is aimed to give the reader just what is necessary - with plenty of short and easily understandable examples and drawings, figures, and tables. A course on electromechanical energy conversion is a necessity in all universities and colleges entitled to grant a license for electrical engineering. This book is aimed at meeting the requirements of this essential subject by providing necessary information to complete the course. A compact chapter is included with figures and tables on energy and the restraints on its production brought about by global climate change. A new approach has been tried for some of the classic subjects including magnetic circuits and electrical machines together with today's much-used motors.

A Totally Different Outlook on Power Electronic System Analysis Power Electronic Systems: Walsh Analysis with MATLAB (R) builds a case for Walsh analysis as a powerful tool in the study of power electronic systems. It considers the application of Walsh functions in analyzing power electronic systems, and the advantages offered by Walsh domain analysis of power electronic systems. Solves Power Electronic Systems in an Unconventional Way This book successfully integrates power electronics as well as systems and control. Incorporating a complete orthonormal function set very much unlike the sine-cosine functions, it introduces a blending between piecewise constant orthogonal functions and power electronic systems. It explores the background and evolution of power electronics, and discusses Walsh and related orthogonal basis functions. It develops the mathematical foundation of Walsh analysis, and first- and second-order system analyses by Walsh technique. It also describes the Walsh domain operational method and how it is applied to linear system analysis. Introduces Theories Step by Step While presenting the underlying principles of Walsh analysis, the authors incorporate many illustrative examples, and include a basic introduction to linear algebra and MATLAB (R) programs. They also examine different orthogonal piecewise constant basis functions like Haar, Walsh, slant, block pulse functions, and other related orthogonal functions along with their time scale evolution. * Analyzes pulse-fed single input single output (SISO) first- and second-order systems * Considers stepwise and continuously pulse width modulated chopper systems * Describes a detailed analysis of controlled rectifier circuits * Addresses inverter circuits Power Electronic Systems: Walsh Analysis with MATLAB (R) is written for postgraduate students, researchers, and academicians in the area of power electronics as well as systems and control.

Now in its third edition, Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician is a comprehensive, practical study guide for aspiring and working professionals in live event production. The book covers every aspect of power distribution from the fundamentals, like basic circuits, to 3-phase power, power calculations, grounding and bonding, electrical safety, portable power generators, and battery power. With ample photographs and illustrations, practice problems and solutions, and real-world examples from experience and first-hand accounts, it provides readers with the knowledge to safely design, set up, and monitor power distribution systems. The third edition expands on grounding and bonding, portable power generators, balanced and unbalanced 3-phase power calculations, battery power, and more. The last chapter walks readers through the process of prepping for a show, setting up a portable power distribution system, and monitoring every aspect of the system, including voltage, current, and heat using an infrared camera, explaining in detail best practices and the logic behind them. Covering topics that are listed in the content outline for the ETCP Entertainment Electrician Certification exam as well as the ETCP Portable Power Distribution Technician Certification exam, this reference supports practicing technicians and provides new technicians the assistance they need for a successful career in the entertainment industry. Additional resources, including conversion tables, voltage spreadsheets, articles from Lighting & Sound International, Lighting & Sound America, and Protocol, and animations and illustrations depicting electricity and electric power distribution developed for the author's workshops, can be found on the companion website www.electrics.tech.

Due to its abilities to compensate disturbances and uncertainties, disturbance observer based control (DOBC) is regarded as one of the most promising approaches for disturbance-attenuation. One of the first books on DOBC, Disturbance Observer Based Control: Methods and Applications presents novel theory results as well as best practices for applications in motion and process control that have already benefited numerous organizations. Supplying authoritative guidance in the areas of disturbance estimation and compensation for practical engineering systems, the book includes coverage of theoretic methods and practical applications of disturbance estimation and compensation for control systems through a DOBC approach. It considers applications in flight control systems, motion control systems, and process control systems. Supplies an authoritative overview of disturbance observer based control approaches Reports on recent developments in disturbance estimation techniques Considers matched and mismatched disturbance/uncertainty attenuation for DOBC Illustrates applications of the methods covered with detailed engineering case studies Filled with valuable insights gathered over decades of research by the authors, this book provides time- and stress-saving guidance for anyone interested in the theory and method research of DOBC. Using typical engineering examples, the text provides readers with an understanding of recent developments in DOBC as well as the tools required to make the most of this promising approach to disturbance-attenuation.

Signals and Systems: Analysis Using Transform Methods and MATLAB (R) has been extensively updated, while retaining the emphasis on fundamental applications and theory. The text includes a wealth of exercises, including drill exercises, and more challenging conceptual problems. McGraw-Hill's Connect, is also available as an optional, add on item. Connect is the only integrated learning system that empowers students by continuously adapting to deliver precisely what they need, when they need it, how they need it, so that class time is more effective. Connect allows the professor to assign homework, quizzes, and tests easily and automatically grades and records the scores of the student's work. Problems are randomized to prevent sharing of answers an may also have a "multi-step solution" which helps move the students' learning along if they experience difficulty.

Intended as an undergraduate/post graduate level textbook for courses on high speed optical networks as well as computer networks. Nine chapters cover basic principles of the technology and different devices for optical networks, as well as processing of integrated waveguide devices of optical networks using different technologies. It provides students, researchers and practicing engineers with an expert guide to the fundamental concepts, issues and state of the art developments in optical networks. Includes examples throughout all the chapters of the book to aid understanding of basic problems and solutions.

This title presents a balanced blend between classical and intelligent load frequency control techniques, which is detrminant for continous supply of power loads. The classical control techniques introduced in this book include PID, pole placement, observer-based state feedback, static and dynamic output feedback controllers while the intelligent control techniques explained here are of adaptive fuzzy control types. This book will analyze and design different decentralized LF controllers in order to maintain the frequency deviations of each power area within the limits and keep the tie-line power flow between different power areas at the scheduled levels.

From the Foreword "Getting CPS dependability right is essential to forming a solid foundation for a world that increasingly depends on such systems. This book represents the cutting edge of what we know about rigorous ways to ensure that our CPS designs are trustworthy. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a deep look at these concepts that will form a cornerstone for future CPS designs." --Phil Koopman, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Trustworthy Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering provides practitioners and researchers with a comprehensive introduction to the area of trustworthy Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) engineering. Topics in this book cover questions such as What does having a trustworthy CPS actually mean for something as pervasive as a global-scale CPS? How does CPS trustworthiness map onto existing knowledge, and where do we need to know more? How can we mathematically prove timeliness, correctness, and other essential properties for systems that may be adaptive and even self-healing? How can we better represent the physical reality underlying real-world numeric quantities in the computing system? How can we establish, reason about, and ensure trust between CPS components that are designed, installed, maintained, and operated by different organizations, and which may never have really been intended to work together? Featuring contributions from leading international experts, the book contains sixteen self-contained chapters that analyze the challenges in developing trustworthy CPS, and identify important issues in developing engineering methods for CPS. The book addresses various issues contributing to trustworthiness complemented by contributions on TCSP roadmapping, taxonomy, and standardization, as well as experience in deploying advanced system engineering methods in industry. Specific approaches to ensuring trustworthiness, namely, proof and refinement, are covered, as well as engineering methods for dealing with hybrid aspects.

This newly updated edition of Wiring Regulations in Brief provides a user-friendly guide to the newest amendments to BS 7671 and the IET Wiring Regulations. Topic-based chapters link areas of working practice - such as earthing, cables, installations, testing and inspection, and special locations - with the specifics of the Regulations themselves. This allows quick and easy identification of the official requirements relating to the situation in front of you. The requirements of the regulations, and of related standards, are presented in an informal, easy-to-read style to remove confusion. Packed with useful hints and tips, and highlighting the most important or mandatory requirements, this book is a concise reference on all aspects of the eighteenth edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. This handy guide provides an on-the-job reference source for electricians, designers, service engineers, inspectors, builders, and students.

Computational Intelligence Assisted Design framework mobilises computational resources, makes use of multiple Computational Intelligence (CI) algorithms and reduces computational costs. This book provides examples of real-world applications of technology. Case studies have been used to show the integration of services, cloud, big data technology and space missions. It focuses on computational modelling of biological and natural intelligent systems, encompassing swarm intelligence, fuzzy systems, artificial neutral networks, artificial immune systems and evolutionary computation. This book provides readers with wide-scale information on CI paradigms and algorithms, inviting readers to implement and problem solve real-world, complex problems within the CI development framework. This implementation framework will enable readers to tackle new problems without difficulty through a few tested MATLAB source codes

"a very detailed book on multiferroics that will be useful for PhD students and researchers interested in this emerging field of materials science" -Dr. Wilfrid Prellier, Research Director, CNRS, Caen, France Multiferroics has emerged as one of the hottest topics in solid state physics in this millennium. The coexistence of multiple ferroic/antiferroic properties makes them useful both for fundamental studies and practical applications such as revolutionary new memory technologies and next-generation spintronics devices. This book provides an historical introduction to the field, followed by a summary of recent progress in single-phase multiferroics (type-I and type-II), multiferroic composites (bulk and nano composites), and emerging areas such as domain walls and vortices. Each chapter addresses potential technological implications. There is also a section dedicated to theoretical approaches, both phenomenological and first-principles calculations.

Microsystems technologies have found their way into an impressive variety of applications, from mobile phones, computers, and displays to smart grids, electric cars, and space shuttles. This multidisciplinary field of research extends the current capabilities of standard integrated circuits in terms of materials and designs and complements them by creating innovative components and smaller systems that require lower power consumption and display better performance. Novel Advances in Microsystems Technologies and their Applications delves into the state of the art and the applications of microsystems and microelectronics-related technologies. Featuring contributions by academic and industrial researchers from around the world, this book: Examines organic and flexible electronics, from polymer solar cell to flexible interconnects for the co-integration of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) Discusses imaging and display technologies, including MEMS technology in reflective displays, the fabrication of thin-film transistors on glass substrates, and new techniques to display and quickly transmit high-quality images Explores sensor technologies for sensing electrical currents and temperature, monitoring structural health and critical industrial processes, and more Covers biomedical microsystems, including biosensors, point-of-care devices, neural stimulation and recording, and ultra-low-power biomedical systems Written for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in electrical and biomedical engineering, this book reviews groundbreaking technology, trends, and applications in microelectronics. Its coverage of the latest research serves as a source of inspiration for anyone interested in further developing microsystems technologies and creating new applications.

Provides in-depth knowledge on lead-free piezoelectrics - for state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly electrical and electronic devices! Lead zirconate titanate ceramics have been market-dominating due to their excellent properties and flexibility in terms of compositional modifications. Driven by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, there is a growing concern on the toxicity of lead. Therefore, numerous research efforts were devoted to lead-free piezoelectrics from the beginning of this century. Great progress has been made in the development of high-performance lead-free piezoelectric ceramics which are already used, e.g., for power electronics applications. Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials provides an in-depth overview of principles, material systems, and applications of lead-free piezoelectric materials. It starts with the fundamentals of piezoelectricity and lead-free piezoelectrics. Then it discusses four representative lead-free piezoelectric material systems from background introduction to crystal structures and properties. Finally, it presents several applications of lead-free piezoelectrics including piezoelectric actuators, and transducers. The challenges for promoting applications will also be discussed. Highly attractive: Lead-free piezoelectrics address the growing concerns on exclusion of hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic devices in order to protect human health and the environment Thorough overview: Covers fundamentals, different classes of materials, processing and applications Unique: discusses fundamentals and recent advancements in the field of lead-free piezoelectrics Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials is of high interest for material scientists, electrical and chemical engineers, solid state chemists and physicists in academia and industry.

Good aging infrastructure management consists of optimizing the choice of equipment and its refurbishment while also making compatible changes in all those operating and ownership policies, the whole combination aimed at optimizing the business results the power system owner desires. Both a reference and tutorial guide, this second edition of Aging Power Delivery Infrastructures provides updated coverage of aging power delivery systems, the problems they cause, and the technical and managerial approaches that power systems owners can take to manage them. See What's New in the Second Edition: All chapters have been updated or are completely new Comprehensive discussions of all issues related to equipment aging Business impact analysis and models and engineering business studies of actual utility cases Strategy and policy issues and how to frame and customize them for specific situations This book looks at the basics of equipment aging and its system and business impacts on utilities. It covers various maintenance, service and retrofit methods available to mitigate age-related deterioration of equipment. It also presents numerous configuration and automation upgrades at the system level that can deal with higher portions of aging equipment in the system and still provide good service at a reasonable cost.

While theories based on classical physics have been very successful in helping experimentalists design microelectronic devices, new approaches based on quantum mechanics are required to accurately model nanoscale transistors and to predict their characteristics even before they are fabricated. Advanced Nanoelectronics provides research information on advanced nanoelectronics concepts, with a focus on modeling and simulation. Featuring contributions by researchers actively engaged in nanoelectronics research, it develops and applies analytical formulations to investigate nanoscale devices.

The book begins by introducing the basic ideas related to quantum theory that are needed to better understand nanoscale structures found in nanoelectronics, including graphenes, carbon nanotubes, and quantum wells, dots, and wires. It goes on to highlight some of the key concepts required to understand nanotransistors. These concepts are then applied to the carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET).

Several chapters cover graphene, an unzipped form of CNT that is the recently discovered allotrope of carbon that has gained a tremendous amount of scientific and technological interest. The book discusses the development of the graphene nanoribbon field effect transistor (GNRFET) and its use as a possible replacement to overcome the CNT chirality challenge. It also examines silicon nanowire (SiNW) as a new candidate for achieving the downscaling of devices. The text describes the modeling and fabrication of SiNW, including a new top-down fabrication technique. Strained technology, which changes the properties of device materials rather than changing the device geometry, is also discussed.

The book ends with a look at the technical and economic challenges that face the commercialization of nanoelectronics and what universities, industries, and government can do to lower the barriers. A useful resource for professionals, researchers, and scientists, this work brings together state-of-the-art technical and scientific information on important topics in advanced nanoelectronics.

The development of renewable sources for electrical energy has become a mainstream focus in the field of electrical engineering. This book can be used by both engineers and researchers working to develop new electrical systems and investigate existing ones. Additionally, it can serve as a guide for undergraduate and graduate students during their study of electrical fields. The electrical devices that are used in renewable sources have complicated inner structures, and methods of computer simulation make the development of these systems easier and faster. Simulink, and its toolbox SimPowerSystems, is the most popular means for simulation of electrical systems. The topic of wind-generator (WG) systems simulation merits detailed consideration; therefore, this text covers an in-depth exploration of the simulation of WG systems, systems with batteries, photovoltaic systems, fuel elements, microturbines, and hydroelectric systems.

The primary purpose of PV Systems Engineering is to provide a comprehensive set of PV knowledge and understanding tools for the design, installation, commissioning, inspection, and operation of PV systems. During recent years in the United States, more PV capacity was installed than any other electrical generation source. In addition to practical system information, this new edition includes explanation of the basic physical principles upon which the technology is based and a consideration of the environmental and economic impact of the technology. The material covers all phases of PV systems from basic sunlight parameters to system commissioning and simulation, as well as economic and environmental impact of PV. With homework problems included in each chapter and numerous design examples of real systems, the book provides the reader with consistent opportunities to apply the information to real-world scenarios.

Going "green" is becoming a major component of the mission for electronics manufacturers worldwide. While this goal seems simplistic, it poses daunting dilemmas. Yet, to compete effectively in the global economy, manufacturers must take the initiative to drive this crucial movement. Green Electronics Manufacturing: Creating Environmental Sensible Products provides you with a complete reference to design, develop, build, and install an electronic product with special consideration for the product s environmental impacts during its whole life cycle.

The author discusses how to integrate the state-of-the-art technologies of finite element method (FEM) modeling, simulation, and testing to create environmental sensible products of satisfying global environmental regulations, such as Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) compliance. He covers enabling techniques such as advanced fatigue life modeling, crack propagation analysis, and probabilistic robust design of lead-free electronics. The book also explores risk engineering methodology empowers practitioners with effective tools such as buckling analysis of tin whiskers.
With its emphasis on reducing parts, rationing materials, and reusing components to make products more efficient to build, green electronics intertwines today s electronics with manufacturing strategies of global sourcing, concurrent engineering, and total quality. Implemented through product and process design, it can help you achieve sustainability to support future generations and at the same time preserve our natural resources. Green Electronics Manufacturing: Creating Environmental Sensible Products gives you the tools to create environmental sensible products while maintaining electronics quality and reliability.

This book describes advanced research results on Modeling and Control designs for Fuel Cells and their hybrid energy systems. Filled with simulation examples and test results, it provides detailed discussions on Fuel Cell Modeling, Analysis, and Nonlinear control. Beginning with an introduction to Fuel Cells and Fuel Cell Power Systems, as well as the fundamentals of Fuel Cell Systems and their components, it then presents the Linear and Nonlinear modeling of Fuel Cell Dynamics. Typical approaches of Linear and Nonlinear Modeling and Control Design methods for Fuel Cells are also discussed. The authors explore the Simulink implementation of Fuel Cells, including the modeling of PEM Fuel Cells and Control Designs. They cover the applications of Fuel cells in vehicles, utility power systems, and stand-alone systems, which integrate Fuel Cells, Wind Power, and Solar Power. Mathematical preliminaries on Linear and Nonlinear Control are provided in an appendix.

Optimize your dynamic spectrum access approach using the latest applications and techniques Dynamic Spectrum Access Decisions: Local, Distributed, Centralized and Hybrid Designs prepares engineers to build optimum communications systems by describing at the outset what type of spectrum sensing capabilities are needed. Meant for anyone who has a basic understanding of wireless communications and networks and an interest in the physical and MAC layers of communication systems, this book has a tremendous range of civilian and military applications. Dynamic Spectrum Access Decisions provides fulsome discussions of cognitive radios and networks, but also DSA technologies that operate outside the context of cognitive radios. DSA has applications in: Licensed spectrum bands Unlicensed spectrum bands Civilian communications Military communications Consisting of a set of techniques derived from network information theory and game theory, DSA improves the performance of communications networks. This book addresses advanced topics in this area and assumes basic knowledge of wireless communications.

Written by a group of top scientists and engineers in academic and industrial R&D, Lithium-Ion Batteries: Advanced Materials and Technologies gives a clear picture of the current status of these highly efficient batteries. Leading international specialists from universities, government laboratories, and the lithium-ion battery industry share their knowledge and insights on recent advances in the fundamental theories, experimental methods, and research achievements of lithium-ion battery technology.

Along with coverage of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the book focuses on the technical progress and challenges of cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, and separators. It also presents numerical modeling and theoretical calculations, discusses the design of safe and powerful lithium-ion batteries, and describes approaches for enhancing the performance of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology.

Due to their high energy density, high efficiency, superior rate capability, and long cycling life, lithium-ion batteries provide a solution to the increasing demands for both stationary and mobile power. With comprehensive and up-to-date information on lithium-ion battery principles, experimental research, numerical modeling, industrial manufacturing, and future prospects, this volume will help you not only select existing materials and technologies but also develop new ones to improve battery performance.

Materials Processing by Cluster Ion Beams: History, Technology, and Applications discusses the contemporary physics, materials science, surface engineering issues, and nanotechnology capabilities of cluster beam processing. Written by the originator of the gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) concept, this book: Offers an overview of ion beam technologies, from the discovery of monomer ions to the introduction of GCIBs Explores the development of sources for producing cluster beams from solid materials Describes the engineering characteristics of gas cluster ion beam equipment Covers cluster ion-solid surface interaction kinetics as well as sputtering, implantation, and ion-assisted deposition Details surface processing techniques for smoothing, shallow implantation, and preparation of high-quality thin films Introduces representative examples of emerging GCIB industrial applications Materials Processing by Cluster Ion Beams: History, Technology, and Applications provides a deeper understanding of the importance of cluster ion beams and their applications.

Bridging condensed matter physics, photochemistry, photophysics, and materials science, Electromagnetic Radiation in Analysis and Design of Organic Materials: Electronic and Biotechnology Applications covers physical properties of materials in the presence of radiation from across the electromagnetic spectrum. It describes the optical, spectral, thermal, and morphological properties of a wide range of materials and their practical implications in electronic and biotechnologies. It discusses recent advances in the use of radiation in analysis of materials and design for advanced applications. The book contains experimental and theoretical issues that reflect the impact of radiation on materials characteristics highlighting their ease of analysis or adaptation for applications as optical filters, drug delivery systems, antimicrobial layers, amphetamine detectors, or liquid crystal displays.