This lecture notes book presents how enhanced structural information of biomolecular ions can be obtained from interaction with photons of specific frequency - laser light. The methods described in the book "Laser photodissociation and spectroscopy of mass-separated biomolecular ions" make use of the fact that the discrete energy and fast time scale of photoexcitation can provide more control in ion activation. This activation is the crucial process producing structure-informative product ions that cannot be generated with more conventional heating methods, such as collisional activation. The book describes how the powerful separation capabilities and sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS) can be combined with the structural insights from spectroscopy by measuring vibrational and electronic spectra of trapped analytes. The implementation of laser-based photodissociation techniques in MS requires basic knowledge of tunable light sources and ion trapping devices. This book introduces the reader to key concepts and approaches in molecular spectroscopy, and the light sources and ion traps employed in such experiments. The power of the methods is demonstrated by spectroscopic interrogation of a range of important biomolecular systems, including peptides, proteins, and saccharides, with laser light in the ultraviolet-visible, and infrared range. The book "Laser photodissociation and spectroscopy of mass-separated biomolecular ions" is an indispensable resource for students and researchers engaged or interested in this emerging field. It provides the solid background of key concepts and technologies for the measurements, discusses state-of-the-art experiments, and provides an outlook on future developments and applications.

This collection of reviews by leading Japanese researchers covers topics like ultrafast optical responses, terahertz and phonon studies, super-sensitive surface and high-pressure spectroscopy, combination of visible and x-ray photonics. Several related areas at the cutting edge of measurement technology and materials science are included. This book is partly based on well-cited review articles in the Japanese language in special volumes of the Journal of the Vacuum Society of Japan.

This book embraces the entire range of problems associated with phase equilibria in "tungsten - carbon" binary system and related ternary systems, nonstoichiometry, disorder and order in different tungsten carbides, electronic and crystal structure of these carbides. The main application of tungsten carbides is constituent in hardmetals for cutting tools. In the last 20 years, the most active efforts were made in synthesis and application of nanocrystalline tungsten carbide for the production of nanostructured hardmetals. The present book describes in detail different methods for production of nanocrystalline tungsten carbide. The peculiarities of sintering of Co hardmetals from nanocrystalline powders having different particle sizes are discussed. Materials scientists using tungsten carbide to create novel superhard and tough materials will find this book particularly useful.

Glycosylation is the most abundant post-translational modification of proteins. Estimates vary widely, but a common assessment is that upwards of 50% of eukaryotic proteins are modified by some type of glycan. In Mass Spectrometry of Glycoproteins: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods that are now commonly used for glycoproteomics. These methods and techniques include robust sample preparation techniques; advanced chromatographic strategies for improving dynamic range; state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation and associated ionization and fragmentation methods; and informatics tools used for identifying glycoproteins and characterizing the associated glycans. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Mass Spectrometry of Glycoproteins: Methods and Protocol is an essential resource for those who work at the interface of glycobiology and mass spectrometry.

The study of nonlinear localized excitations is a long-standing challenge for research in basic and applied science, as well as engineering, due to their importance in understanding and predicting phenomena arising in nonlinear and complex systems, but also due to their potential for the development and design of novel applications. This volume is a compilation of chapters representing the current state-of-the-art on the field of localized excitations and their role in the dynamics of complex physical systems.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. 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 are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.

This book examines the meso- and nanoscopic aspects of fluid adsorption in porous solids using a non-invasive method of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Starting with a brief summary of the basic assumptions and results of the theory of small-angle scattering from porous media, the author focuses on the practical aspects and methodology of the ambient and high pressure SANS and SAXS experiments and corresponding data analysis. It is illustrated with results of studies of the vapor and supercritical fluid adsorption in porous materials published during the last decade, obtained both for man-made materials (e.g. porous fractal silica, Vycor glass, activated carbon) and geological samples (e.g. sandstones, shales and coal). In order to serve the needs of broad readership, the results are presented in the relevant context (e.g. petroleum exploration, anthropogenic carbon capture and sequestration, ion adsorption in supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, etc.).

"The book comprehensively covers all the current and the emerging areas of the physics and the technology of high permittivity gate dielectric materials, including, topics such as MOSFET basics and characteristics, hafnium-based gate dielectric materials, Hf-based gate dielectric processing, metal gate electrodes, flat-band and threshold voltage tuning, channel mobility, high-k gate stack degradation and reliability, lanthanide-based high-k gate stack materials, ternary hafnia and lanthania based high-k gate stack films, crystalline high-k oxides, high mobility substrates, and parameter extraction. Each chapter begins with the basics necessary for understanding the topic, followed by a comprehensive review of the literature, and ultimately graduating to the current status of the technology and our scientific understanding and the future prospects." .

This book presents an overview of material-specific factors that influence Tc and give rise to diverse Tc values for copper oxides and iron-based high- Tc superconductors on the basis of more than 25 years of experimental data, to most of which the author has made important contributions. The book then explains why both compounds are distinct from others with similar crystal structure and whether or not one can enhance Tc, which in turn gives a hint on the unresolved pairing mechanism. This is an unprecedented new approach to the problem of high-temperature superconductivity and thus will be inspiring to both specialists and non-specialists interested in this field. Readers will receive in-depth information on the past, present, and future of high-temperature superconductors, along with special, updated information on what the real highest Tc values are and particularly on the possibility of enhancing Tc for each member material, which is important for application. At this time, the highest Tc has not been improved for 20 years, and no new superconductors have been discovered for 5 years. This book will encourage researchers as well as graduate-course students not to give up on the challenges in the future of high- Tc superconductivity.

Liquid-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry procedures have been shown to be successful when applied to drug development and analysis. LC-MS in Drug Analysis: Methods and Protocols provides detailed LC-MS/MS procedures for the analysis of several compounds of clinical significance. The first chapters provide the reader with an overview of mass spectroscopy, its place in clinical practice, its application of MS to TDM and toxicology, and the merits of LC-MS(/MS) and new sample preparation techniques. The following chapters discuss different approaches to screening for drugs of abuse and for general unknowns, as well as targeted measurement of specific analytes or classes of analytes including abused drugs, toxic compounds, and therapeutic agents. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, LC-MS in Drug Analysis: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies.

This book covers the fundamental aspects of fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers, and includes a wide range of material from laser physics fundamentals to state-of-the-art topics, as well as industrial applications in the rapidly growing field of quantum electronics. Emphasis is placed on the nonlinear processes taking place in fiber lasers and amplifiers, their similarities, differences to, and their advantages over other solid-state lasers. The reader will learn basic principles of solid-state physics and optical spectroscopy of laser active centers in fibers, main operational laser regimes, and practical recommendations and suggestions on fiber laser research, laser applications, and laser product development. The book will be useful for students, researchers, and professionals who work with lasers, in the optical communications, chemical and biological industries.

As mass spectrometric methods now offer a level of specificity and sensitivity unrealized by spectrophotometric- and immunoassay-based methods, mass spectrometry has entered the clinical laboratory where it is being used for a wide range of applications. In Clinical Applications of Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers provide detailed step-by-step procedures for the analysis of number of analytes of clinical importance. This versatile and expansive volume covers mass spectrometry methods for analytes including a variety of drugs, hormones, and metabolic compounds spanning the disciplines of toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring, endocrinology, and pediatric metabolism. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to the analytes, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible analytical protocols, and detailed notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and dependable, Clinical Applications of Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols offers its readers a wide array of valuable methods for experienced mass spectrometric labs that are looking to introduce new analyses as well as for those laboratories currently considering the addition of this resourceful and vital technology.

Second volume of a 40-volume series on nanoscience and nanotechnology, edited by the renowned scientist Challa S.S.R. Kumar. This handbook gives a comprehensive overview about UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy for the characterization of nanomaterials. Modern applications and state-of-the-art techniques are covered and make this volume essential reading for research scientists in academia and industry in the related fields.

Technology of Quantum Devices offers a multi-disciplinary overview of solid state physics, photonics and semiconductor growth and fabrication. Readers will find up-to-date coverage of compound semiconductors, crystal growth techniques, silicon and compound semiconductor device technology, in addition to intersubband and semiconductor lasers. Recent findings in quantum tunneling transport, quantum well intersubband photodetectors (QWIP) and quantum dot photodetectors (QWDIP) are described, along with a thorough set of sample problems.

In this thesis single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy was used to study the folding of a protein that belongs to the large and important family of repeat proteins. Cohen shows that the dynamics of the expanded conformations is likely to be very fast, suggesting a spring-like motion of the whole chain. The findings shed new light on the elasticity of structure in repeat proteins, which is related to their function in binding multiple and disparate partners. This concise research summary provides useful insights for students beginning a PhD in this or a related area, and researchers entering this field.

Fundamentals of Power Semiconductor Devices provides an in-depth treatment of the physics of operation of power semiconductor devices that are commonly used by the power electronics industry. Analytical models for explaining the operation of all power semiconductor devices are shown. The treatment here focuses on silicon devices but includes the unique attributes and design requirements for emerging silicon carbide devices. The book will appeal to practicing engineers in the power semiconductor device community.

In this book, density functional theory (DFT) is introduced within the overall context of quantum chemistry. DFT has become the most frequently used theory in quantum chemistry calculations. However, thus far, there has been no book on the fundamentals of DFT that uses the terminology and methodology of quantum chemistry, which is familiar to many chemists, including experimentalists. This book first reviews the basic concepts and historical background of quantum chemistry and then explains those of DFT, showing how the latter fits into the bigger picture. Recent interesting topics of DFT in chemistry are also targeted. In particular, the physical meanings of state-of-the-art exchange-correlation functionals and their corrections are described in detail. Owing to its unconventionality, this book is certain to be of great interest not only to chemists but also to solid state physicists.

Lepidoptera and Coleoptera - butterflies and beetles - are the most beautifully colored insects we can find. This book explores the origin of these brilliant colors from a physics perspective, beginning with the simplest question: Why Colors? The author masterfully explains at an introductory level the coloring of insects and illustrates his points with more than 240 brilliant figures. The book is a rich source for optical physicists, biologists, and teachers alike.

This work is based on experiences acquired by the authors regarding often asked questions and problems during manifold education of beginners in analytical transmission electron microscopy. These experiences are summarised illustratively in this textbook. Explanations based on simple models and hints for the practical work are the focal points. This practically- oriented textbook represents a clear and comprehensible introduction for all persons who want to use a transmission electron microscope in practice but who are not specially qualified electron microscopists up to now.

SELDI is distinct from other TOF-MS technologies in that it couples features of chromatography and mass spectrometry, facilitating analyte enrichment and sample cleanup on an array surface. In the growing field of proteomics, SELDI technology has been widely used for biomarker discovery and characterization in diverse applications including diagnostics, drug development, and basic research. SELDI-based biomarker studies can typically be divided into four phases: discovery, validation, purification and identification, and assay development. SELDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols provides an overview of the current applications of SELDI-TOF MS (surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry), with an emphasis on study and experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, and assay development. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, SELDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols will provide information on optimizing study design, experimental protocols, and data analysis and interpretation to yield robust biomarkers and biomarker assays, using examples from different disease areas.

This thesis focuses on the study of the optical response of new atomically thin two-dimensional crystals, principally the family of transition metal dichalcogenides like MoS2. One central theme of the thesis is the precise treatment of the linear and second-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides. In addition to their significant scientific interest as fundamental material responses, these studies provide essential knowledge and convenient characterization tools for the application of these 2D materials in opto-electronic devices. Another important theme of the thesis is the valley physics of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides. It is shown that the degeneracy in the valley degree of freedom can be lifted and a valley polarization can be created using a magnetic field, which breaks time reversal symmetry in these materials. These findings enhance our basic understanding of the valley electronic states and open up new opportunities for valleytronic applications using two-dimensional materials.

This book covers the latest research work done in the area of interface mechanics of collagen and chitin-based biomaterials along with various techniques that can be used to understand mechanics of biological systems and materials. Topics covered include Raman spectroscopy of biological systems, scale dependence of the mechanical properties and microstructure of crustaceans thin films as biomimetic materials, as well as the role of molecular-level modeling. The use of nanomechanics to investigate interface thermomechanics of collagen and chitin-based biomaterials is also covered in detail. This book also: * Details spectroscope experiments as well as nanomechanic experiments * Reviews exhaustively phenomenological models and Raman spectroscopy of biological systems * Covers the latest in multiscaling for molecular models to predict lab-scale sample properties and investigates interface thermomechanics

Advances in the synthesis of new materials with often complex, nano-scaled structures require increasingly sophisticated experimental techniques that can probe the electronic states, the atomic magnetic moments and the magnetic microstructures responsible for the properties of these materials. At the same time, progress in synchrotron radiation techniques has ensured that these light sources remain a key tool of investigation, e.g. synchrotron radiation sources of the third generation are able to support magnetic imaging on a sub-micrometer scale. With the Sixth Mittelwihr School on Magnetism and Synchrotron Radiation the tradition of teaching the state-of-the-art on modern research developments continues and is expressed through the present set of extensive lectures provided in this volume. While primarily aimed at postgraduate students and newcomers to the field, this volume will also benefit researchers and lecturers actively working in the field.

This book highlights the basics of crystal optics methods and refractive index (RI) measurement techniques in various solids, as well as their scientific and technological applications. In addition to new techniques for cases when traditional techniques are impractical, such as for highly refracting powders, anomalous dispersion of light in the studied solid, or for colloids, it also describes conventional methods of RI measurement.

This book is intended to give technological background and practical examples, but also to give general insight into the on-going technology development in the area of biodetection. The content is therefore suitable for an array of stakeholders (decision makers, purchasing officers, etc.) and end-users of biodetection equipment within the areas of health, environment, safety and security, and military preparation. The book is divided into three sections. The first section discusses the fundamental physical and biological properties of bioaerosol's. The second section goes into more detail and discusses in-depth the most commonly used detection principles. The third section of the book is devoted to technologies that have been used in standoff applications. The last section of the book gives an overview of trends in bioaerosol detection. The reader of this book will gain knowledge about the different biodetection technologies and thus better judge their capabilities in relation to desired applications.