This volume documents the first International Workshop on Atomic Scale Interconnection Machines organised by the European Integrated Project AtMol in June 2011 in Singapore. The four sessions, discussed here in revised contributions by high level speakers, span the subjects of multi-probe UHV instrumentation, atomic scale nano-material nanowires characterization, atomic scale surface conductance measurements, surface atomic scale mechanical machineries. This state-of-the-art account brings academic researchers and industry engineers access to the tools they need to be at the forefront of the atomic scale technology revolution.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are part of the so-called B-C-N material system, which includes novel nanostructures of carbon (C), doped-carbon, boron (B), boron nitride (BN), carbon nitride (CNx), boron-carbon nitride (BxCyNz), and boron carbide (BxCy). BNNTs and CNTs are structurally similar and share extraordinary mechanical properties, but they differ in chemical, biological, optical, and electrical properties. Therefore, hybrid nanotubes constructed of B, C, N elements are expected to form a new class of nanotubes with tunable properties between those of CNTs and BNNTs. In addition, these B-C-N nanostructures will further enhance and complement the applications of CNTs and BNNTs. With contributions from leading experts, B-C-N Nanotubes and Related Nanostructures is the first book to cover all theoretical and experimental aspects of this emerging material system, and meets the need for a comprehensive summary of the tremendous advances in research on B-C-N materials in recent years.

Properties of nanosilicon in the form of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, and as porous material are of great interest. They can be used in finding suitable components for future miniature devices, and for the more exciting possibilities of novel optoelectronic applications due to bright luminescence from porous silicon, nanoparticles and nanowires. New findings from research into metal encapsulated clusters, silicon fullerenes and nanotubes have opened up a new paradigm in nanosilicon research and this could lead to large scale production of nanoparticles with control on size and shape as well as novel quasi one-dimensional structures. There are possibilities of using silicon as an optical material and in the development of a silicon laser.
In this book leading experts cover state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical advances in the different forms of nanosilicon. Furthermore, applications of nanosilicon to single electron transistors, as photonic material, chemical and biological sensors at molecular scale, and silicon nanowire devices are also discussed. Self-assemblies of silicon nanoforms are important for applications. These developments are also related to cage structures of silicon in clathrates. With an interesting focus on the bottlenecks in the advancement of silicon based technology, this book provides a much-needed overview of the current state of understanding of nanosilicon research.
* Latest developments in nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotubes of silicon
* Focus on nanosilicon - a very timely subject attracting large interest
* Novel chapters on metal encapsulated silicon clusters and nanotubes

Nanobiotechnology holds the promise of providing revolutionary insight into aspects biology ranging from fundamental questions such as elucidating molecular mechanisms of brain disorders to extraordinary applications such as the detection of a single cancer cell in a population of a million cells. The second edition of Nanobiotechnology Protocols expands upon the previous editions with current, detailed protocols for nanobiotechnology; imaging and detection. With new chapters that explore nano-bio constructs and toxicology of nanomaterials. 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Nanobiotechnology Protocol, Second Edition highlights important current areas of development and directions of the field for the future.

The NATO ARW "Molecular Self-Organization in Micro-, Nano-, and Macro- Dimensions: From Molecules to Water, to Nanoparticles, DNA and Proteins" to commemorate Professor Alexander S. Davydov was held in Kiev, Ukraine, on 8-12 June, 2008, at the Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Theobjective ofthisNATOARWistounveilandformulatetheprincipalfeatures that govern myriads of the molecular self-organization processes in micro-, nano-, and macro-dimensions from the following key representatives such as liquid - ter and aqueous solutions, and molecular liquids, nanodots, nanoparticles including gold, solitons, biomolecules such as DNA and proteins, biopolymers and bios- sors, catalysis, molecular modeling, molecular devices, and thin ?lms, and to offer another, more advanced directions in computational, experimental, and technolo- cal areas of nano- and bioscience towards engineering novel and powerful molecular self-organized assemblies with tailored properties. Nanoscience is indeed one of the most important research and development fr- tiers in modern science. Simplistically, nanoscience is the science of small particles of materials of a size of nanometre. Molecular nanoscience and nanotechnology have brought to us the unprecedented experimental control of the structure of matter with novel extraordinary properties that open new horizons and new opportunities, and new ways to make things, particularly in our everyday life, to heal our bodies, and to care of the environment. Unfortunately, they have also brought unwelcome advances in weaponry and opened yet more ways to foul up the world on an en- mous scale.

Channels of nanotubular dimensions exist in a variety of materials (examples are carbon nanotubes and the nanotubular channels of zeolites and zeotypes) and show promise for numerous applications due to their unique properties. One of their most important properties is their capacity to adsorb molecules and these may exist in a variety of phases.

"Adsorption and Phase Behaviour in Nanochannels and Nanotubes" provides an excellent review of recent and current work on adsorption on nanometerials. It is an impressive collection of papers dealing with the adsorption and phase behaviour in nanoporous materials from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.

"Adsorption and Phase Behaviour in Nanochannels and Nanotubes" focuses on carbon nanotubes as well as zeolites and related materials.

Nanopores are vital biological features, described as tiny holes in cellular membranes used for recognition and transport of ions and molecules between compartments within the cell, as well as between the extracellular environment and the cell itself. Their study, ever growing in esteem, leads toward the promise of ultra-fast sequencing of DNA molecules with the ultimate goal of building a nanoscale device that will make rapid and cheap DNA sequencing a reality. In Nanopore-Based Technology, expert researchers in the forefront of the field explore the cutting-edge of nanopore technology for single molecule sensing, detection, and characterization. Divided into four convenient parts, this volume covers single molecule characterization techniques utilizing biological pores, methods for biomolecule characterization with nanoporous artificial membranes, computational studies of the biomolecule confined within the nanopore environment, as well as techniques that use novel materials in conjunction with nanopore sensing. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series, this work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for achieving optimal results. Authoritative and state-of-the-art, Nanopore-Based Technology serves as an excellent representation of the present-day available techniques for biomolecule characterization with nanoporous membranes in order to guide researchers toward developing the next generation of technologies for fast and cheap DNA sequencing with practically no limitations on the read lengths.

Photons are an attractive option for testing fundamental quantum physics and developing new quantum-enhanced technology, including highly advanced computers and simulators, as well as precision sensing beyond shot-noise. Traditionally, bulk optical components have been bolted onto optical benches to realize metre-scale quantum circuits. However this approach is ultimately proving unwieldy for increasing the complexity and for scaling up to practical quantum technologies based on photons. The work presented here demonstrates a series of quantum photonic devices based on waveguide circuits embedded in miniature monolithic chips. This represents a paradigm shift in the underlying architecture of quantum optics and provides key building blocks for all-optical and hybrid quantum technologies.

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. "Quantum Dot Devices" is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source."

This book covers the state-of-the-art technologies for positioning with nanometer resolutions and accuracies, particularly those based on piezoelectric actuators and MEMS actuators. The latest advances are described, including the design of nanopositioning devices, sensing and actuation technologies and control methods for nanopositioning. This is an ideal book for mechanical and electrical engineering students and researchers; micro and nanotechnology researchers and graduate students; as well as those working in the precision instrumentation or semiconductor industries.

This book details the chemistry of visible light-induced photocatalysis using different classes of nanocomposites. Starting with a general introduction and explanation of basic principles and mechanisms of (visible) light-induced photocatalysis in the first two chapters (not omitting a plaidoyer for furthering research and development in this promising field), the following chapters detail the different types and classes of nanocomposites currently used in light-induced photocatalytic applications, including e.g. metal and mixed metal-oxide nanoparticles and -composites, nanoporous materials, polymeric and carbon-based nanocomposites. They explain the characteristics and importance of the different types of nanocomposites, as well as their synthesis and fabrication.In the end of the book an outlook on the unique applications of novel nanocomposites is offered, for example in water treatment and disinfection and removal of pollutants from wastewater, self-cleaning window panes based on photoactive materials, and many more. The book also addresses the challenges in present photocatalytic research, and therefore is a must-read for everybody interested in the developing field of nanocomposites and visible light-induced photocatalysis.

Nanophotonics, a novel optical technology, utilizes the local interaction between nanometric particles via optical near fields. The optical near fields are the elementary surface excitations on nanometric particles, i.e. dressed photons that carry material energy. Of the variety of qualitative innovations in optical technology realized by nanophotonics, this books focuses on fabrication. To fabricate nano-scale photonic devices with nanometer-scale controllability in size and position, we developed a self-assembly method for size- and position-controlled ultra-long nanodot chains using a novel effect of near-field optical desorption. A novel deposition and etching scheme under nonresonant conditions is also demonstrated and its origin is reviewed.

Nanoscale science and computing is becoming a major research area as today's scientists try to understand the processes of natural and biomolecular computing. The field is concerned with the architectures and design of molecular self-assembly, nanostructures and molecular devices, and with understanding and exploiting the computational processes of biomolecules in nature.

This book offers a unique and authoritative perspective on current research in nanoscale science, engineering and computing. Leading researchers cover the topics of DNA self-assembly in two-dimensional arrays and three-dimensional structures, molecular motors, DNA word design, molecular electronics, gene assembly, surface layer protein assembly, and membrane computing.

The book is suitable for academic and industrial scientists and engineers working in nanoscale science, in particular researchers engaged with the idea of computing at a molecular level.

Biosensors are making a large impact in environmental, food, biomedical, and other applications. In comparison to standard analytical detection methods, such as minimal sample preparation and handling, they offer advantages including real time detection, rapid detection of the analytes of concern, use of non-skilled personnel, and portability. The aim of this book is to focus on research related to the rapid detection of agents and weapons of bioterrorism and provide a comprehensive review of the research topics most pertinent to advancing devices applicable to the rapid real-time detection of toxicants such as microbes, pathogens, toxins, or nerve gases. The ongoing war on terrorism and the rising security concerns are driving the need for newer faster biosensors against bio-warfare agents for both military and civil defence applications. The volume brings together contributions from the most eminent international researchers in the field, covering various aspects of work not so far published in any scientific journal and often going beyond the "state of art" . Readers of these review articles will learn new technological schemes that can lead to the construction of devices that will minimize the risk of bio-terrorism."

Over the past few decades, several approaches have been developed for designing nano-structured or molecularly-structured materials. These advances have revolutionized practically all fields of science and engineering, providing an additional design variable, the feature size of the nano-structures, which can be tailored to provide new materials with very special characteristics. Nanomaterials: Design and Simulation explores the role that such advances have made toward a rational design of nanostructures and covers a variety of methods from ab initio electronic structure techniques, ab initio molecular dynamics, to classical molecular dynamics, also being complemented by coarse-graining and continuum methods. Also included is an overview of how the development of these computational tools has enabled the possibility of exploring nanoscopic details and using such information for the prediction of physical and chemical properties that are not always possible to be obtained experimentally.
* Provides an overview of approaches that have been developed for designing nano-structured or molecularly-structured materials.
* This volume covers several aspects of the simulation and design of nanomaterials analyzed by a selected group of active researchers in the field.
* Looks at how the advancement of computational tools have enabled nanoscopic prediction of physical and chemical properties

This book covers the basic principles and application of nanoindentation technology to determine residual stresses in films and coatings. It briefly introduces various detection technologies for measuring residual stresses, while mainly focusing on nanoindentation. Subsequently, nanoindentation is used to determine residual stresses in different types of films and coatings, and to describe them in detail. This book is intended for specialists, engineers and graduate students in mechanical design, manufacturing, maintenance and remanufacturing, and as a guide to the practice of production with social and economic benefits.

Proceedings of the Baroda Workshop on Nanomaterials, Magnetic Ions and Magnetic Semiconductors studied mostly by Hyperfine Interactions (IWNMS 2004), held in Baroda, India, 10-14 February, 2004.

Researchers and graduate students interested in the application of hyperfine interaction techniques, mostly Mossbauer Effect and Perturbed Angular Correlations, to the fast developing fields of magnetic nanomaterials, magnetic ions and magnetic semiconductors will find this volume indispensable. The volume also addresses to the application of synchrotron radiation and ion beams to these systems.

Microbial Nanobionics: Volume 2, Basic Research Applications continues the important discussion of microbial nanoparticle synthesis with a focus on the mechanistic approach of biosynthesis towards nanobionics. This volume also explores the toxicity of nanomaterials in microbes and their effect on human health and the environment. Special Emphasis is given to the use of polymeric nanomaterials in smart packing for the food industry and agricultural sector. The future of nanomaterials for detection of soil microbes and their interactions and tools for environmental remedies is also comprehensively covered. The rich biodiversity of microbes make them excellent candidates for potential nanoparticle synthesis biofactories. Through a better understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the microbial biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles, the rate of synthesis can be better developed and the monodispersity of the product can be enhanced. The characteristics of nanoparticles can be controlled via optimization of important parameters, such as temperature, pH, concentration and pressure, which regulate microbe growth conditions and cellular and enzymatic activities. Large scale microbial synthesis of nanoparticles is a sustainable method due to the non-hazardous, non-toxic and economical nature of these processes. The applications of microbial synthesis of nanoparticles are wide and varied, spanning the industrial, biomedical and environmental fields. Biomedical applications include improved and more targeted antimicrobials, biosensing, imaging and drug delivery. In the environmental fields, nanoparticles are used for bioremediation of diverse contaminants, water treatment, catalysis and production of clean energy. With the expected growth of microbial nanotechnology, this volume will serve as a comprehensive and timely reference.

This thesis examines electrode materials such as mesoporous carbons, manganese oxides, iron oxides and their nanohybrids with graphene. It also explores several of the key scientific issues that act as the governing principles for future development of supercapacitors, which are a promising class of high-efficiency energy storage devices for tackling a key aspect of the energy crisis. However, critical technical issues, such as the low energy density and reliability, need to be addressed before they can be extended to a wide range of applications with much improved performance. Currently available material candidates for the electrodes all have their disadvantages, such as a low specific capacitance or poor conductivity for transition metal oxide/hydroxide-based materials. This thesis addresses these important issues, and develops a high-performance, flexible asymmetric supercapacitor with manganese oxides/reduced graphene oxide as the positive electrode and iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide as the anode, which delivers a high energy density of 0.056 Wh cm-3.

This book, based on the lectures and contributions of the NATO ASIon Functional Properties of Nanostructured Materials, gives a broadoverview on this topic, as it combines basic theoretical articles, papersdealing with experimental techniques, and contributions on advancedand up-to-date applications in fields such as microelectronics, optoelectronics, electrochemistry, sensorics, and biotechnology. Inaddition, it presents an interdisciplinary approach since the authorscame from such different fields as physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science and biology. Some emphasis is given to the field ofnanostructured/nanoscaled thin films, again stretching from basictheoretical over experimental (including both fabrication andcharacterization) to application oriented topic

This thesis presents the latest findings on macroscopic-scale nanowire thin films composed of integrated nanowires. It introduces readers to essential synthesis and assembly strategies for the design and fabrication of high-quality nanowire thin films, and discusses their underlying principles in detail. The book highlights examples specific to well-aligned nanowire systems, and explores the applications of nanowire systems, including memory devices, flexible transparent electrodes, etc. The book offers a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students working in materials science, especially in nanowire device fabrication.

Global experts provide an authoritative source of information on the use of electrochemical fuel cells, and in particular discuss the use of nanomaterials to enhance the performance of existing energy systems. The book covers the state of the art in the design, preparation, and engineering of nanoscale functional materials as effective catalysts for fuel cell chemistry, highlights recent progress in electrocatalysis at both fuel cell anode and cathode, and details perspectives and challenges in future research.