This book highlights the latest advances and outlines future trends in aqueous solvation studies from the perspective of hydrogen bond transition by charge injection, which reconciles the solvation dynamics, molecular nonbond interactions, and the extraordinary functionalities of various solutes on the solution bond network and properties. Focus is given on ionic and dipolar electrostatic polarization, O:H nonbond interaction, anti-HB and super-HB repulsion, and solute-solute interactions. Its target audience includes researchers, scientists, and engineers in chemistry, physics, surface and interface science, materials science and engineering.

This book highlights numerical models as powerful tools for the optimal design of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Most MEMS experts have a background in electronics, where circuit models or behavioral models (i.e. lumped-parameter models) of devices are preferred to field models. This is certainly convenient in terms of preliminary design, e.g. in the prototyping stage. However, design optimization should also take into account fine-sizing effects on device behavior and therefore be based on distributed-parameter models, such as finite-element models. The book shows how the combination of automated optimal design and field-based models can produce powerful design toolboxes for MEMS. It especially focuses on illustrating theoretical concepts with practical examples, fostering comprehension through a problem-solving approach. By comparing the results obtained using different methods, readers will learn to identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. In addition, special emphasis is given to evolutionary computing and nature-inspired optimization strategies, the effectiveness of which has already been amply demonstrated. Given its scope, the book provides PhD students, researchers and professionals in the area of computer-aided analysis with a comprehensive, yet concise and practice-oriented guide to MEMS design and optimization. To benefit most from the book, readers should have a basic grasp of electromagnetism, vector analysis and numerical methods.

This book focuses on novel bismuth-containing alloys and nanostructures, covering a wide range of materials from semiconductors, topological insulators, silica optical fibers and to multiferroic materials. It provides a timely overview of bismuth alloys and nanostructures, from material synthesis and physical properties to device applications and also includes the latest research findings. Bismuth is considered to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly element, and has received increasing attention in a variety of innovative research areas in recent years. The book is intended as a reference resource and textbook for graduate students and researchers working in these fields.

This book highlights how the properties and structure of materials are affected by dynamic high pressures generated by explosions, projectile impacts, laser compression, electric discharge or ball milling. Starting with the basics of shock-wave physics and an outline of experimental techniques, it then surveys dynamic compressibility and equations of state of various substances, phase transitions and syntheses of novel compounds under shock. It covers various industrial applications including hardening of metals and grinding (fragmentation) of solids, saturation of solids with defects for use as catalysts, production of superhard materials (synthetic diamond, BN (boron nitride)) and nanomaterials, especially nanodiamond, and discusses state-of-the-art techniques such as combining dynamic and static compression to obtain monolithic materials.

This book covers several futuristic computing technologies like quantum computing, quantum-dot cellular automata, DNA computing, and optical computing. In turn, it explains them using examples and tutorials on a CAD tool that can help beginners get a head start in QCA layout design. It discusses research on the design of circuits in quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) with the objectives of obtaining low-complexity, robust designs for various arithmetic operations. The book also investigates the systematic reduction of majority logic in the realization of multi-bit adders, dividers, ALUs, and memory.

This book examines the possibility of automating pasture care by fusing conventional technologies with modern sensor technologies, including the accompanying electrification. It subsequently explores the feasibility and benefits of such a system on the basis of a prototype. The overall challenge in fodder production, and in milk and meat production, is to shift the focus away from the economic aspects and toward achieving a better balance with ecological and societal aspects. In the future, pastureland will become an increasingly valuable resource. Good pasture turf is the basis of high grazing performance and an efficient grazing farm; reduced quantity and quality of pasture forage are chiefly due to insufficient pasture care. The prototype developed and discussed here, based on a commercially available remote-controlled mulcher, performs the selective pasture maintenance needed for precision farming. The vehicle has been upgraded with a GPS system for automatic guidance, while a 2D laser scanner is used to localise relevant spots in real-time. The pasture maintenance operations include mulching of un-grazed spots and reseeding of damage done by footsteps. The book presents the results of field tests on effective spot detection and the fuel-saving benefits of selective mulching.

The book "Case Studies in Micromechatronics - From Systems to Process" offers prominent sample applications of micromechatronic systems and the enabling fabrication technologies. The chosen examples represent five main fields of application: consumer electronics (pressure sensor), mobility and navigation (acceleration sensor), handling technology and automation (micro gripper), laboratory diagnostics (point of care system), and biomedical technology (smart skin). These five sample systems are made from different materials requiring a large variety of modern fabrication methods and design rules, which are explained in detail. As a result, an inverted introduction "from prominent applications to base technologies" is provided. Examples of applications are selected to offer a broad overview of the development environment of micromechatronic systems including established as well as cutting-edge microfabrication technologies.

This is the first book portraying to a wide readership many fields of DNA in the world of materials altogether in a single volume. The book provides underlying concepts and state-of-art developments in the emerging fields of DNA electronics, structural DNA nanotechnology, DNA computing and DNA data storage, DNA machines and nanorobots. Future possibilities of innovative DNA-based technologies, such as DNA cryptography, DNA identity tags, DNA nanostructures in biosensing and nanomedicine, as well as DNA-based nanoelectronics are all covered, too. This book is valuable for university students studying engineering and technology; biotech, nanotech, and medical device R&D managers, practitioners and investors; and IP analysts who would like to extend their background in advanced DNA technologies. It is nicely illustrated, which makes it very readable, and it conveys science and principles in a lively language to appeal to a broad audience, from professionals and academics to students and lay readers. Advance Praise for DNA Beyond Genes: "Most students of DNA, and lay readers as well, are interested in the absolutely essential role it plays in biology. However, the properties which make DNA the carrier of genetic information also make it an extraordinary material that can be used as the backbone for a wide variety of nanoengineering applications - these range from information storage and computation to molecular machines and devices to artfully designed logos and symbols. The perfect self-recognition of DNA sequences makes it an ideal building block to synthesize more and more elaborate constructions and imaginative scientists have probably only just scratched the surface of what can eventually be created. Here for the first time in this wonderful book Vadim Demidov explores the full range of the non-biological applications of DNA." Charles R. Cantor Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Member of the USA National Academy of Sciences

This book focuses on 3d transition metal centered phthalocyanine molecules and their deposition on different substrates. Phthalocyanines are an ideal prototype since they can be grown flat on many surfaces. It highlights the molecule-substrate interaction and its influence on the magnetic and spectroscopic properties of the molecules as well as the influence of ligands - reviewing both experiential and theoretical data. Since experimental setups differ and approximations in theory vary and can influence the result, a substantial part is dedicated to a thorough discussion of the different experimental and computational methods from the point of view of reliability and predictive power.

This book describes the future of microscopically small medical devices and how to locate a lab to start conducting your own do-it-yourself microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) research in one of the many national, international, government, and other regional open use facilities, where you can quickly begin designing and fabricating devices for your applications. You will learn specific, tangible information on what MEMS are and how a device is fabricated, including what the main types of equipment are in these facilities. The book provides advice on working in a cleanroom, soft materials, collaboration, intellectual property and privacy issues, regulatory compliance, and how to navigate other issues that may arise. This book is primarily aimed at researchers and students who work at universities without MEMS facilities, and small companies who need access to MEMS resources.

Advanced microsensor technology is making a significant impact in fields as diverse as wireless communications and automotive, biomedical and chemical engineering. Data Acquisition and Signal Processing for Smart Sensors draws on the authors' collective practical experience in the design of sensor instrumentation to provide a systematic treatment of smart sensors and sensor systems. This unique reference presents an alternative to the classical approach to data acquisition and covers signal processing methods for digital and quasi-digital sensors.

Features Include:

• Introduction to the authors' novel Method of the Dependent Count™ for frequency (period) conversion and measurement and its applications.

• Consideration of modern sensor interface circuits and buses, along with an introduction to the Universal Transducer Interface (UTI) and Time to Digital Converter (TDC).

• Methods of frequency-to-code conversion for smart sensors, including direct, indirect, combined, interpolation and Fourier transform based techniques as well as advanced and self-adapting conversion methods.

• Comparative analysis of smart sensor systems with time- and space-division channelling functions.

• Detailed glossary of related terms accompanied by a guide to related web resources.

This book presents quantum phononics as an exciting new field of research, and introduces readers to the quantum nature of phonons and their application to quantum technologies. Both the theory of and recent experiments in "quantum phononics," involving e.g. coherent phonons, phonon squeezing, coherent control, and phonon quantum technologies, are presented. The theoretical background of the generation and detection of phonons is described in a way that will be easy to understand for graduate students and experimental scientists who are newcomers to the field. Moreover, the book focuses on coherent phonons produced by ultrafast laser pulses, which can be used for the coherent control of atomic motions in solids and phase transformation. The laser-matter interaction is treated using a density matrix formalism of the time-dependent Schroeedinger equation. In addition, the third-order nonlinear optical response of condensed matter is also described.

The inherent complex dynamics of a parametrically excited pendulum is of great interest in nonlinear dynamics, which can help one better understand the complex world. Even though the parametrically excited pendulum is one of the simplest nonlinear systems, until now, complex motions in such a parametric pendulum cannot be achieved. In this book, the bifurcation dynamics of periodic motions to chaos in a damped, parametrically excited pendulum is discussed. Complete bifurcation trees of periodic motions to chaos in the parametrically excited pendulum include: period-1 motion (static equilibriums) to chaos, and period- motions to chaos ( = 1, 2, ***, 6, 8, ***, 12). The aforesaid bifurcation trees of periodic motions to chaos coexist in the same parameter ranges, which are very difficult to determine through traditional analysis. Harmonic frequency-amplitude characteristics of such bifurcation trees are also presented to show motion complexity and nonlinearity in such a parametrically excited pendulum system. The non-travelable and travelable periodic motions on the bifurcation trees are discovered. Through the bifurcation trees of travelable and non-travelable periodic motions, the travelable and non-travelable chaos in the parametrically excited pendulum can be achieved. Based on the traditional analysis, one cannot achieve the adequate solutions presented herein for periodic motions to chaos in the parametrically excited pendulum. The results in this book may cause one rethinking how to determine motion complexity in nonlinear dynamical systems.

This book explains the operating principles of atomic force microscopy with the aim of enabling the reader to operate a scanning probe microscope successfully and understand the data obtained with the microscope. This enhanced second edition to "Scanning Probe Microscopy" (Springer, 2015) represents a substantial extension and revision to the part on atomic force microscopy of the previous book. Covering both fundamental and important technical aspects of atomic force microscopy, this book concentrates on the principles the methods using a didactic approach in an easily digestible manner. While primarily aimed at graduate students in physics, materials science, chemistry, nanoscience and engineering, this book is also useful for professionals and newcomers in the field, and is an ideal reference book in any atomic force microscopy lab.

This book is a scholarly study of a virtually unknown aspect of the history of horology (timekeeping), compiled from Chinese and Japanese historical and literary records, some of which are translated and published here for the first time. Incense timekeepers played an important role in early Chinese social and technological history, in addition to their use for time measurement. They were used in temples for religious rites, in agricultural regions for regulating water for irrigation, in palaces and government offices, and in the studies of scholars. A fascinating compendium of knowledge about a neglected aspect of Oriental culture, this book will appeal not only to historians of China and Japan, but to the growing number of collectors and museum curators who are interested in incense clocks. It is illustrated with black and white halftones of a large number of the clocks, which are renowned for their beauty of design and quality of workmanship. The book also includes a catalogue of incense clocks which have appeared in auction houses and museums.

Nanoimprint Lithography: An enabling process for nanofabrication presents a comprehensive description of nanotechnology that is one of the most promising low-cost, high-throughput technologies for manufacturing nanostructures, and an emerging lithography candidates for 22, 16 and 11 nm nodes. It provides the exciting, multidisciplinary field, offering a wide range of topics covering: principles, process, material and application. This book would be of specific interest for researchers and graduate students in the field of nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanofabrication, material, physical, chemical, electric engineering and biology. Dr. Weimin Zhou is an associate professor at Shanghai Nanotechnology Promotion Center, China.

This book explores the fabrication of soft material and biomimetic MEMS sensors, presents a review of MEMS/NEMS energy harvesters and self-powered sensors, and focuses on the recent efforts in developing flexible and wearable piezoelectric nanogenerators. It also includes a critical analysis of various energy harvesting principles, such as electromagnetic, piezoelectric, electrostatic, triboelectric, and magnetostrictive. This multidisciplinary book is appropriate for students and professionals in the fields of material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and bioengineering.

This book provides a solid background for understanding the immediate past, the ongoing present, and the emerging trends of additive manufacturing, with an emphasis on innovations and advances in its use for a wide spectrum of manufacturing applications. It contains contributions from leading authors in the field, who view the research and development progress of additive manufacturing techniques from the unique angle of developing high-performance composites and other complex material parts. It is a valuable reference book for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who are seeking technologically novel and economically viable innovations for high-performance materials and critical applications. It can also benefit graduate students and post-graduate fellows majoring in mechanical, manufacturing, and material sciences, as well as biomedical engineering.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the photonic sensing field by covering plasmonics, photonic crystal, and SOI techniques from theory to real sensing applications. A literature review of ultra-sensitive photonic sensors, including their design and application in industry, makes this a self-contained and comprehensive resource for different types of sensors, with high value to the biosensor sector in particular. The book is organized into four parts: Part I covers the basic theory of wave propagation, basic principles of sensing, surface plasmon resonance, and silicon photonics; Part II details the computational modeling techniques for the analysis and prediction of photonic sensors; Part III and Part IV cover the various mechanisms and light matter interaction scenarios behind the design of photonic sensors including photonic crystal fiber sensors and SOI sensors. This book is appropriate for academics and researchers specializing in photonic sensors; graduate students in the early and intermediate stages working in the areas of photonics, sensors, biophysics, and biomedical engineering; and to biomedical, environmental, and chemical engineers.

This textbook on quantum mechanics has been designed for use in two-semester undergraduate courses. It describes the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, explains the use of the mathematical formalism and provides illustrative examples of both concepts and methods. Although the aim is to enable students to master the use of quantum mechanics as a tool, the author also discusses the meaning of quantum concepts. To this end the book contains a variety of relevant examples, worked out in considerable detail, as well as a substantial number of pertinent problems and exercises. The latter will be extremely helpful, if not essential, for gaining a deep understanding and command of the subject. This book is based on the author's thirty years experience of teaching the subject.

Mechanics of Biological Systems & Micro-and Nanomechanics, Volume 4 of the Proceedings of the 2018 SEM Annual Conference & Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the fourth volume of eight from the Conference, brings together contributions to important areas of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of topics, including: Cell Mechanics & Traumatic Brain Injury Micromechanical Testing Adhesion and Fracture MEMS Devices and Technology Nano-scale Deformation Mechanisms 1D & 2D Materials Tribology & Wear Research and Applications in Progress

This book highlights the theoretical foundations of and experimental techniques in photothermal heating and applications involving nanoscale heat generation using gold nanostructures embedded in various media. The experimental techniques presented involve a combination of nanothermometers doped with rare-earth atoms, plasmonic heaters and near-field microscopy. The theoretical foundations are based on the Maxwell's and heat diffusion equations. In particular, the working principle and application of AlGaN:Er3+ film, Er2O3 nanoparticles and -NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals for nanothermometry based on Er3+ emission are discussed. The relationship between superheated liquid and bubble formation for optically excited nanostructures and the effects of the surrounding medium and solution properties on light absorption and scattering are presented. The application of Er2O3 and -NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals to study the temperature of optically heated gold nanoparticles is also presented. In closing, the book presents a new thermal imaging technique combining near-field microscopy and Er3+ photoluminescence spectroscopy to monitor the photothermal heating and steady-state sub-diffraction local temperature of optically excited gold nanostructures.

Omar Abu Mohareb proposes a novel dynamic inductor control (DIC) that can be generally applied to various DC-DC converter types. The aim is to improve the converter efficiency throughout controlling the inductance value at all operating points without consequential complexity or increase in the inductor cost and size. The dynamic inductor control implies the maximum energy transfer (MET) concept to improve the DC-DC converter efficiency and preserve a fast system dynamics against load changes at the same time.About the Author: Omar Abu Mohareb has earned his doctoral degree in Automotive Mechatronics Engineering from University of Stuttgart. He is now active in electromobility field and its efficient and smart infrastructure concepts. He has also earned his first patent on the proposed dynamic inductor control (DIC) concept.

This book introduces physical effects and fundamentals of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. It gives a comprehensive overview of piezoelectric materials such as quartz crystals and polycrystalline ceramic materials. Different modeling approaches and methods to precisely predict the behavior of piezoelectric devices are described. Furthermore, a simulation-based approach is detailed which enables the reliable characterization of sensor and actuator materials. One focus of the book lies on piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. An optical approach is presented that allows the quantitative determination of the resulting sound fields. The book also deals with various applications of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. In particular, the studied application areas are * process measurement technology, * ultrasonic imaging, * piezoelectric positioning systems and * piezoelectric motors. The book addresses students, academic as well as industrial reseachers and development engineers who are concerned with piezoelectric sensors and actuators.

This book presents some of the recent hybrid micro-machining processes used to manufacture miniaturized products with micro level precision. The current developed technologies to manufacture the micro dimensioned products while meeting the desired precision level are described within the text. The authors especially highlight research that focuses on the development of new micro machining platforms while integrating the different technologies to manufacture the micro components in a high throughput and cost effective manner.