This thesis deals with the development and in-depth study of a new class of optoelectronic material platform comprising graphene and MoS_2, in which MoS_2 is used essentially to sensitize graphene and lead to unprecedently high gain and novel opto-electronic memory effects. The results presented here open up the possibility of designing a new class of photosensitive devices which can be utilized in various optoelectronic applications including biomedical sensing, astronomical sensing, optical communications, optical quantum information processing and in applications requiring low intensity photodetection and number resolved single photon detection.

Defects in Two-Dimensional Materials addresses the fundamental physics and chemistry of defects in 2D materials and their effects on physical, electrical and optical properties. The book explores 2D materials such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD). This knowledge will enable scientists and engineers to tune 2D materials properties to meet specific application requirements. The book reviews the techniques to characterize 2D material defects and compares the defects present in the various 2D materials (e.g. graphene, h-BN, TMDs, phosphorene, silicene, etc.). As two-dimensional materials research and development is a fast-growing field that could lead to many industrial applications, the primary objective of this book is to review, discuss and present opportunities in controlling defects in these materials to improve device performance in general or use the defects in a controlled way for novel applications.

In this book, the authors cover the recent progress in the synthesis, characterization and application of various multi-layered carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides. Moreover, the processing and development of MXene-based composites are elaborated, focusing on their applications and performances as transparent conductors in environmental remediation and energy storage systems.

Graphene-electrolyte systems are commonly found in cutting-edge research on electrochemistry, biotechnology, nanoelectronics, energy storage, materials engineering, and chemical engineering. The electrons in graphene intimately interact with ions from an electrolyte at the graphene-electrolyte interface, where the electrical or chemical properties of both graphene and electrolyte could be affected. The electronic behavior therefore determines the performance of applications in both Faradaic and non-Faradaic processes, which require intensive studies. This book systematically integrates the electronic theory and experimental techniques for both graphene and electrolytes. The theoretical sections detail the classical and quantum description of electron transport in graphene and the modern models for charges in electrolytes. The experimental sections compile common techniques for graphene growth/characterization and electrochemistry. Based on this knowledge, the final chapter reviews a few applications of graphene-electrolyte systems in biosensing, neural recording, and enhanced electronic devices, in order to inspire future developments. This multidisciplinary book is ideal for a wide audience, including physicists, chemists, biologists, electrical engineers, materials engineers, and chemical engineers.

Sustainable Strategies in Organic Electronics reviews green materials and devices, sustainable processes in electronics, and the reuse, recycling and degradation of devices. Topics addressed include large-scale synthesis and fabrication of safe device materials processes that neither use toxic reagents, solvents or produce toxic by-products. Emerging opportunities such as new synthetic approaches for enabling the commercialization of pi-conjugated polymer-based devices are explored, along with new efforts towards incorporating materials from renewable resources for a low carbon footprint. Finally, the book discusses the latest advances towards device biodegradability and recycling. It is suitable for materials scientists and engineers, chemists, physicists in academia and industry.

The book provides an introduction to nanostructured materials and guides the reader through their different engineering applications. It gives an overview of nanostructured materials applied in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials science. Materials for different applications in engineering such as those used in opto-electronics, energy, tribology, bio-applications, catalysis, reinforcement and many more have been described in this book. The book will be of interest to researchers and students who want to learn about applications of nanostructured materials in engineering.

This thesis presents the first ever measurement of the noise emitted by magnetic monopoles and the development of an exquisitely sensitive magnetic-field-noise spectrometer based on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that enabled it. Magnetic monopoles are highly elusive elementary particles exhibiting quantized magnetic charge. The prospects for studying them brightened recently with the theoretical discovery that the thermally excited states in certain classes of magnetic insulators exhibit all the characteristics of magnetic monopoles. Furthermore, in 2018, it was predicted that the random motion of magnetic monopoles inside would generate a very specific kind of magnetization noise. In this thesis, the author describes a new experimental technique, so-called spin noise spectroscopy, and the subsequent discovery of virtually all of the predicted features of the magnetic noise expected from a dense fluid of magnetic monopoles in crystals of Dy2Ti2O7. Remarkably, because this magnetic monopole noise occurs in the frequency range below 20kHz, when amplified by the SQUID it is actually audible to humans.

This book deals with the synthesis of nanomaterials with a strong focus on the underlying reaction kinetics and various synthesis mechanisms. It gives a detailed description of all major synthesis routes of many types of novel nanomaterials including nanowires, carbon nanotubes, semiconductor nanotubes, carbon nanobelts, nanofibers, nanorings, nanodots and quantum dots. In addition, it articulates the fundamental mechanisms of nanomaterials synthesis via vapor-phase, liquid-phase and solid-phase processes, highlighting the various strengths and weaknesses of each mechanism. This monograph provides the reader with a thorough review of the known state-of-the-art, along with a detailed comparison and analysis of all possible nanomaterials synthesis mechanisms. An important element of the book is how to obtain critical knowledge for controlling the morphology of nanomaterials and thereby fine tune their materials properties. The book is an ideal guide for graduate students and researchers new to the field seeking to establish or enhance their understanding of the physical and chemical fundamentals of nanomaterials synthesis mechanisms.

Electrochemical Sensors: From Working Electrodes to Functionalization and Miniaturized Devices provides an overview of the materials, preparation and fabrication methods for biosensor applications. The book introduces the field of electrochemistry and its fundamentals, also providing a practical overview of working electrodes as key components for the implementation of sensors and assays. Features covered include the prompt transfer of electrons, favorable redox behavior, biocompatibility, and inertness in terms of electrode fouling. Special attention is dedicated to analyzing the various working materials systems for electrodes used in electrochemical cells such as gold, carbon, copper, platinum and metal oxides. This book is suitable for academics and practitioners working in the disciplines of materials science and engineering, analytical chemistry and biomedical engineering.

Nanoscale Compound Semiconductors and their Optoelectronics Applications provides the basic and fundamental properties of nanoscale compound semiconductors and their role in modern technological products. The book discusses all important properties of this important category of materials such as their optical properties, size-dependent properties, and tunable properties. Key methods are reviewed, including synthesis techniques and characterization strategies. The role of compound semiconductors in the advancement of energy efficient optoelectronics and solar cell devices is also discussed. The book also touches on the photocatalytic property of the materials by doping with graphene oxides--an emerging and new pathway.

This book focuses on the calculus of variations, including fundamental theories and applications. This textbook is intended for graduate and higher-level college and university students, introducing them to the basic concepts and calculation methods used in the calculus of variations. It covers the preliminaries, variational problems with fixed boundaries, sufficient conditions of extrema of functionals, problems with undetermined boundaries, variational problems of conditional extrema, variational problems in parametric forms, variational principles, direct methods for variational problems, variational principles in mechanics and their applications, and variational problems of functionals with vector, tensor and Hamiltonian operators. Many of the contributions are based on the authors' research, addressing topics such as the extension of the connotation of the Hilbert adjoint operator, definitions of the other three kinds of adjoint operators, the extremum function theorem of the complete functional, unified Euler equations in variational methods, variational theories of functionals with vectors, modulus of vectors, arbitrary order tensors, Hamiltonian operators and Hamiltonian operator strings, reconciling the Euler equations and the natural boundary conditions, and the application range of variational methods. The book is also a valuable reference resource for teachers as well as science and technology professionals.

This thesis presents significant advances in the imaging and theory of the ultrafast dynamics of surface plasmon polariton fields. The author details construction of a sub-10 femtosecond and sub-10 nanometer spatiotemporal resolution ultrafast photoemission microscope which is subsequently used for the discovery of topological meron and skyrmion-like plasmonic quasiparticles. In particular, this enabled the creation of movies of the surface plasmon polariton fields evolving on sub-optical wavelength scales at around 0.1 femtosecond per image frame undergoing vortex phase evolution. The key insight that the transverse spin of surface plasmon polaritons undergoes a texturing into meron or skyrmion-like topological quasiparticles (defined by the geometric charge of the preparation) follows. In addition, this thesis develops an analytical theory of these new topological quasiparticles, opening new avenues of research, while the ultrafast microscopy techniques established within will also be broadly applicable to studies of nanoscale optical excitations in electronic materials.

This volume comprises the expert contributions from the invited speakers at the 17th International Conference on Thin Films (ICTF 2017), held at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, India. Thin film research has become increasingly important over the last few decades owing to the applications in latest technologies and devices. The book focuses on current advances in thin film deposition processes and characterization including thin film measurements. The chapters cover different types of thin films like metal, dielectric, organic and inorganic, and their diverse applications across transistors, resistors, capacitors, memory elements for computers, optical filters and mirrors, sensors, solar cells, LED's, transparent conducting coatings for liquid crystal display, printed circuit board, and automobile headlamp covers. This book can be a useful reference for students, researchers as well as industry professionals by providing an up-to-date knowledge on thin films and coatings.

Since the 1980s, scientists have been researching adaptive structures for materials, for multifunctional elements or even for complete systems. Adaptronics (smart materials, smart structures, smart systems) is a field of distinct interdisciplinarity. The book therefore offers an interdisciplinary view of adaptronic systems, materials and functional elements and their applications. The subject matter integrates various engineering disciplines, from electrical engineering and information technology to manufacturing and control engineering, materials engineering and structural mechanics - to name but a few of the relevant subject areas. Starting from the basic principles and variants of adaptronic systems and functional materials, the textbook explains the different construction methods of functional elements. Building on this, readers learn how to apply this knowledge to active shape control, active vibration control and active vibroacoustics. For each of these topics the author presents current examples from research, discusses research results and future research questions. Each of the nine chapters closes with references to further literature. An index of the mathematical symbols used and a keyword index facilitate learning for readers.The book is aimed at Master's students in engineering courses such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering and related courses. The book provides a comprehensive overview for industrial practitioners who want to familiarize themselves with the field of adaptronics and also serves as a reliable reference book.

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

In this book, the authors discuss some of the main challenges and new opportunities in science and engineering research, which involve combining computational and experimental approaches as a promising strategy for arriving at new insights into composition-structure-property relations, even at the nanoscale. From a practical standpoint, the authors show that significant improvements in the material/biomolecular foresight by design, including a fundamental understanding of their physical and chemical properties, are vital and will undoubtedly help us to reach a new technological level in the future.

Caustics are natural phenomena, forming light patterns in rainbows or through drinking glasses, and creating light networks at the bottom of swimming pools. Only in recent years have scientists started to artificially create simple caustics with laser light. However, these realizations have already contributed to progress in advanced imaging, lithography, and micro-manipulation. In this book, Alessandro Zannotti pioneers caustics in many ways, establishing the field of artificial caustic optics. He employs caustic design to customize high-intensity laser light. This is of great relevance for laser-based machining, sensing, microscopy, and secure communication. The author also solves a long standing problem concerning the origin of rogue waves which appear naturally in the sea and can have disastrous consequences. By means of a far-reaching optical analogy, he identifies scattering of caustics in random media as the origin of rogue waves, and shows how nonlinear light-matter interaction increases their probability.

Rotating Machinery, Optical Methods & Scanning LDV Methods, Volume 6: Proceedings of the 38th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2020, the sixth volume of eight from the Conference brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Health Monitoring, including papers on: Novel Techniques Optical Methods, Scanning LDV Methods Photogrammetry & DIC Rotating Machinery

This book presents peer-reviewed articles from the 20th International Symposium on Optomechatronic Technologies (ISOT 2019), held in Goa, India. The symposium brought together students, researchers, professionals, and academicians in the field of optomechatronics and related areas on a common platform conducive to academic interaction with business professionals.

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 is devoted to the theoretical and experimental investigation of the optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with direct and external modulation of laser emission. Such devices, sources of precision radio frequency oscillations using laser excitation, are novel and technologically relevant, with manifold possible applications. The book includes a review of the present state of the theory and generation techniques in microwave and mm-wave ranges for traditional and optoelectronic oscillators, description of OEO construction and operation principles, theoretical oscillation analysis and mathematical description of the relevant semi-classical laser physics, and investigation of the power spectral density of noises. Technical features and advantages of OEOs with external and direct modulation of laser emission are discussed together with functional diagrams. The characteristics of OEOs are compared with other traditional RF oscillators, such as quartz, surface acoustic waves, and oscillators with electromagnetic wave cavities. Special attention is paid to Q-factors and phase noises of RF carriers at small offsets. The authors discuss the technical characteristics of modern optoelectronic methods for precision RF oscillation formation, such as commercial large-dimension and compact quantum frequency standards with optical pumping on cesium and rubidium cells. This book is aimed at scientists and engineers in academia and industry who work with sources of microwave and mm-wave signals.

This book compiles the accomplishments of the recent research project on photochemistry "Photosynergetics", supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, aiming to develop and elucidate new methods and molecules leading to advanced utilization of photo-energies. Topics include photochemical responses induced by multiple excitation, multiphoton absorption, strong modulation of electronic states, developments of new photofunctional molecules, mesoscopic actuations induced by photoexcitation, and novel photoresponses in molecules and molecular assemblies. The authors stress that these approaches based on the synergetic interaction among many photons and many molecules enable the expansion of the accessibility to specific electronic states. As well, they explain how the development of reaction sequences and molecules/molecular assemblies ensure "additivity" and "integration" without loss of the photon energy, leading to new photoresponsive assemblies in meso- and macroscopic scales.

This book addresses perovskite quantum dots, discussing their unique properties, synthesis, and applications in nanoscale optoelectronic and photonic devices, as well as the challenges and possible solutions in the context of device design and the prospects for commercial applications. It particularly focuses on the luminescent properties, which differ from those of the corresponding quantum dots materials, such as multicolor emission, fluorescence narrowing, and tunable and switchable emissions from doped nanostructures. The book first describes the characterization and fabrication of perovskite quantum dots. It also provides detailed methods for analyzing the electrical and optical properties, and demonstrates promising applications of perovskite quantum dots. Furthermore, it presents a series of optoelectronic and photonic devices based on functional perovskite quantum dots, and explains the incorporation of perovskite quantum dots in semiconductor devices and their effect of the performance. It also explores the challenges related to optoelectronic devices, as well as possible strategies to promote their commercialization. As such, this book is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in the field of solid-state materials and electronics wanting to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of quantum dots, and the fundamental optoelectronic properties and operation mechanisms of the latest perovskite quantum dot-based devices.

This book gathers selected research papers presented at the Second International Conference on Energy Systems, Drives and Automations (ESDA 2019), held in Kolkata on 28-29 December 2019. It covers a broad range of topics in the fields of renewable energy, power management, drive systems for electrical machines and automation. Also discussing a variety of related tools and techniques, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers, professionals and students in electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines.

Metal Oxides for Biomedical and Biosensor Applications gives an in-depth overview of the emerging research in the biomedical and biosensing applications of metal oxides, including optimization of their surface and bulk properties. Sections cover biomedical applications of metal oxides for use in cell cultures, antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments, dental applications, drug delivery, cancer therapy, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, tissue engineering, and metal oxide-based biosensor development. As advanced and biofunctionalized nano/micro structured metal oxides are finding applications in microfluidics, optical sensors, electrochemical sensors, DNA-based biosensing, imaging, diagnosis and analysis, this book provides a comprehensive update on the topic. Additional sections cover research challenges, technology limitations, and future trends in metal oxides and their composites regarding their usage in biomedical applications.