The development of nuclear weapons by the Manhattan Project during World War II was one of the most dramatic scientific/technological episodes in human history. This book, prepared by a recognized expert on the Manhattan Project, offers a concise survey of the essential physics concepts underlying fission weapons. The text describes the energetics and timescales of fast-neutron chain reactions, why only certain isotopes of uranium and plutonium are suitable for use in fission weapons, how critical mass and bomb yield can be estimated, how the efficiency of nuclear weapons can be enhanced, how the fissile forms of uranium and plutonium were obtained, some of the design details of the 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' bombs, and some of the thermal, shock, and radiation effects of nuclear weapons. Calculation exercises are provided, and a Bibliography lists authoritative print and online sources of information for readers who wish to pursue more detailed study of this fascinating topic.

This is an in-depth look at baryon number violation in the Standard Model including the necessary background in finite temperature field theory, plasma dynamics and how to calculate the out of equilibrium evolution of particle number densities throughout a phase transition. It is a self-contained pedagogical review of the theoretical background to electroweak baryogenesis as well as a summary of the other prevailing mechanisms for producing the asymmetry between matter and antimatter using the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model as a pedagogical tool whenever appropriate.

A Tour of the Subatomic Zoo is a brief and ambitious expedition into the remarkably simple ingredients of all the wonders of nature. Tour guide, Professor Cindy Schwarz clearly explains the language and substance of elementary particle physics for the 99% of us who are not physicists. With hardly a mathematical formula, views of matter from the atom to the quark are discussed in a form that an interested person with no physics background can easily understand. It is a look not only into some of the most profound insights of our time, but a look at the answers we are still searching for. College and university courses can be developed around this book and it can be used alone or in conjunction with other material. Even college physics majors would enjoy reading this book as an introduction to particle physics. High-school, and even middle-school, teachers could also use this book to introduce this material to their students. It will also be beneficial for high-school teachers who have not been formally exposed to high-energy physics, have forgotten what they once knew, or are no longer up to date with recent developments.

How to achieve unlimited, safe, clean and low-cost energy by laser- or beam-driven inertial nuclear fusion has preoccupied all winners of the Edward Teller Medal since its inception in 1991. This book presents their findings, meeting discussions, and personal insights from Edward Teller himself. Expect discussion of important advances anticipated in the future such as multi-billion dollar fusion research projects (NIF), and new schemes such as the petawatt-picosecond laser-plasma interactions evoking new physics and coupling mechanisms.For the first time, laser technology of the new century is providing the very short and extremely intense energetic pulses needed for fusion energy from next generation power stations, which produce energy at cost several times lower than any other source. The long-sought dream to directly ignite frozen heavy hydrogen for controlled use is close to being realized. Years of research on plasmas and lasers carried out worldwide in highly sophisticated experiments is summarized. The coverage begins with the work of John Nuckolls and Nobel Laureate Nikolai Basov and leads to the new scheme of plasma block acceleration via the nonlinear ponderomotive force. Edward Teller Lectures is one of the first guides to these new developments.

Master's Thesis from the year 2013 in the subject Physics - Quantum Physics, grade: -, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Department of Physics), course: Nanostructure Physics, language: English, abstract: We have numerically investigated parametric variations of transmission peaks of symmetric rectangular double barrier in non-tunneling regime. We have compared the variations with those for tunneling regime. One of the three variations in non-tunneling regime is completely different from that for tunneling regime warranting rapid dissemination. The book contains background on Quantum Mechanics, Microelectronics and Nanostructure Physics to enable readers assimilate the book completely.

Master's Thesis from the year 2011 in the subject Physics - Quantum Physics, grade: -, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Department of Physics), course: Nanostructure Physics, language: English, abstract: This book contains a comprehensive account of application of WKB method to pure Physics of nanostructures containing single or symmetric double barrier V(x) in their band model in presence of longitudinal magnetic field applied along x direction. It concentrates on effects on transmission coefficient of single and symmetric double barriers by three dimensional electron gas (3DEG). Analytical expressions for longitudinal magnetic field dependent transmission coefficient of single and symmetric double barrier of general shape are obtained first. These general expressions are then used to obtain analytical expressions of longitudinal magnetic field dependent transmission coefficient of single and symmetric double barriers of many different shapes we encounter in studying nanostructure Physics. This is followed by thorough numerical investigation to bring out effects of longitudinal magnetic field on transmission coefficient of all these barriers. Comparisons with standard results where available showed excellent agreements. Results of numerical investigation have been explained completely. The book makes well documented, with thorough calculation and discussion, pure Physics of semiconductor nanostructures.