This thesis presents pioneering work in the relatively new field of focused ion beam (FIB) sculpting of single crystals to produce bespoke devices and enable the investigation of physics that cannot be studied in bulk samples. It begins with a comprehensive and didactic account of how to achieve this sculpting, revealing the 'tricks of the trade' of state-of-the-art FIB microstructuring. In subsequent chapters, the author presents ground-breaking results obtained from microstructures of the delafossite oxide metal PdCoO2 and the heavy fermion superconductor CeIrIn5. In these elegant, forefront experiments, a new form of directional ballistic transport in the ultra-pure delafossites is described and explained. Furthermore, a new way to spatially modulate superconductivity induced by strain is demonstrated with electrical transport measurements that agree well with predictions based on thermoelastic finite element simulations.

This book presents a sequential representation of the electrodynamics of conducting media with dispersion. In addition to the general electrodynamic formalism, specific media such as classical nondegenerate plasma, degenerate metal plasma, magnetoactive anisotropic plasma, atomic hydrogen gas, semiconductors, and molecular crystals are considered. The book draws on such classics as Electrodynamics of plasma and plasma-like media (Silin and Rukhadze) and Principles of Plasma Electrodynamics (Alexandrov, Bogdankevich, and Rukhadze), yet its outlook is thoroughly modern-both in content and presentation, including both classical and quantum approaches. It explores such recent topics as surface waves on thin layers of plasma and non-dispersive media, the permittivity of a monatomic gas with spatial dispersion, and current-driven instabilities in plasma, among many others. Each chapter is equipped with a large number of problems with solutions that have academic and practical importance. This book will appeal to graduate students as well as researchers and other professionals due to its straight-forward yet thorough treatment of electrodynamics in conducting dispersive media.

This book introduces readers to electric circuits with variable loads and voltage regulators. It defines invariant relationships for numerous parameters, and proves the concepts characterizing these circuits. Moreover, the book presents the fundamentals of electric circuits and develops circuit theorems, while also familiarizing readers with generalized equivalent circuits and using projective geometry to interpret changes in operating regime parameters. It provides useful expressions for normalized regime parameters and changes in them, as well as convenient formulas for calculating currents. This updated and extended third edition features new chapters on the use of invariant properties in two-port circuits, invariant energy characteristics for limited single-valued two-port circuits, and on testing projective coordinates. Given its novel geometrical approach to real electrical circuits, the book offers a valuable guide for engineers, researchers, and graduate students who are interested in basic electric circuit theory and the regulation and monitoring of power supply systems.

This volume contains the proceedings of the 1998 International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices and provides an open forum for the presentation of the latest results and trends in modeling and simulation of semiconductor equipment, processes and devices. Topics include: * semiconductor equipment simulation * process modeling and simulation * device modeling and simulation of complex structures * interconnect modeling * integrated systems for process, device, circuit simulation and optimisation * numerical methods and algorithms * compact modeling and parameter extraction * modeling for RF applications * simulation and modeling of new devices (heterojunction based, SET's, quantum effect devices, laser based ...)

This book deals with the study of superconductivity in systems with coexisting wide and narrow bands. It has been previously suggested that superconductivity can be enhanced in systems with coexisting wide and narrow bands when the Fermi level is near the narrow band edge. In this book, the authors study two problems concerning this mechanism in order to: (a) provide a systematic understanding of the role of strong electron correlation effects, and (b) propose a realistic candidate material which meets the ideal criteria for high-Tc superconductivity. Regarding the role of strong correlation effects, the FLEX+DMFT method is adopted. Based on systematic calculations, the pairing mechanism is found to be indeed valid even when the strong correlation effect is considered within the formalism. In the second half of the book, the authors propose a feasible candidate material by introducing the concept of the "hidden ladder" electronic structure, arising from the combination of the bilayer lattice structure and the anisotropic orbitals of the electrons. As such, the book contributes a valuable theoretical guiding principle for seeking unknown high-Tc superconductors.

This book focuses on the topological fermion condensation quantum phase transition (FCQPT), a phenomenon that reveals the complex behavior of all strongly correlated Fermi systems, such as heavy fermion metals, quantum spin liquids, quasicrystals, and two-dimensional systems, considering these as a new state of matter. The book combines theoretical evaluations with arguments based on experimental grounds demonstrating that the entirety of very different strongly correlated Fermi systems demonstrates a universal behavior induced by FCQPT. In contrast to the conventional quantum phase transition, whose physics in the quantum critical region are dominated by thermal or quantum fluctuations and characterized by the absence of quasiparticles, the physics of a Fermi system near FCQPT are controlled by a system of quasiparticles resembling the Landau quasiparticles. The book discusses the modification of strongly correlated systems under the action of FCQPT, representing the "missing" instability, which paves the way for developing an entirely new approach to condensed matter theory; and presents this physics as a new method for studying many-body objects. Based on the authors' own theoretical investigations, as well as salient theoretical and experimental studies conducted by others, the book is well suited for both students and researchers in the field of condensed matter physics.

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.

This book covers the flux pinning mechanisms and properties and the electromagnetic phenomena caused by the flux pinning common for metallic, high-Tc and MgB2 superconductors. The condensation energy interaction known for normal precipitates or grain boundaries and the kinetic energy interaction proposed for artificial Nb pins in Nb-Ti, etc., are introduced for the pinning mechanism. Summation theories to derive the critical current density are discussed in detail. Irreversible magnetization and AC loss caused by the flux pinning are also discussed. The loss originally stems from the ohmic dissipation of normal electrons in the normal core driven by the electric field induced by the flux motion. The influence of the flux pinning on the vortex phase diagram in high Tc superconductors is discussed, and the dependencies of the irreversibility field are also described on other quantities such as anisotropy of superconductor, specimen size and electric field strength. Recent developments of critical current properties in various high-Tc superconductors and MgB2 are introduced. The 3rd edition has been thoroughly updated, with a new chapter on critical state model. The mechanism of irreversible properties is discussed in detail. The author provides calculations of pinning loss by the equation of motion of flux lines in the pinning potential and hysteresis loss. The readers will learn why the resultant loss is of hysteresis type in spite of such mechanism. This book aims for graduate students and researchers studying superconductivity as well as engineers working in electric utility industry.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Devices: Materials, Physics, Design and Applications provides readers with a single resource on why these devices are superior to existing silicon devices. The book lays the groundwork for an understanding of an array of applications and anticipated benefits in energy savings. Authored by the Founder of the Power Semiconductor Research Center at North Carolina State University (and creator of the IGBT device), Dr. B. Jayant Baliga is one of the highest regarded experts in the field. He thus leads this team who comprehensively review the materials, device physics, design considerations and relevant applications discussed.

An up-to-date view of the various detector/emitter materials systems currently in use or being actively researched. The book is aimed at newcomers and those already working in the IR industry. It provides both an introductory text and a valuable overview of the entire field.

Material synthesis by the transformation of organometallic compounds (precursors) by vapor deposition techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been in the forefront of modern day research and development of new materials. There exists a need for new routes for designing and synthesizing new precursors as well as the application of established molecular precursors to derive tuneable materials for technological demands. With regard to the precursor chemistry, a most detailed understanding of the mechanistic complexity of materials formation from molecular precursors is very important for further development of new processes and advanced materials. To emphasize and stimulate research in these areas, this volume comprises a selection of case studies covering various key-aspects of the interplay of precursor chemistry with the process conditions of materials formation, particularly looking at the similarities and differences of CVD, ALD and nanoparticle synthesis, e.g. colloid chemistry, involving tailored molecular precursors.

This book is a practical guide to optical, optoelectronic, and semiconductor materials and provides an overview of the topic from its fundamentals to cutting-edge processing routes to groundbreaking technologies for the most recent applications. The book details the characterization and properties of these materials. Chemical methods of synthesis are emphasized by the authors throughout the publication. Describes new materials and updates to older materials that exhibit optical, optoelectronic and semiconductor behaviors; Covers the structural and mechanical aspects of the optical, optoelectronic and semiconductor materials for meeting mechanical property and safety requirements; Includes discussion of the environmental and sustainability issues regarding optical, optoelectronic, and semiconductor materials, from processing to recycling.

In this book, the history of the concepts critical to the discovery and development of aluminum, its alloys and the anodizing process are reviewed to provide a foundation for the challenges, achievements, and understanding of the complex relationship between the aluminum alloy and the reactions that occur during anodic oxidation. Empirical knowledge that has long sustained industrial anodizing is clarified by viewing the process as corrosion science, addressing each element of the anodizing circuit in terms of the Tafel Equation. This innovative approach enables a new level of understanding and engineering control for the mechanisms that occur as the oxide nucleates and grows, developing its characteristic highly ordered structure, which impact the practical function of the anodic aluminum oxide.

An extrapolation of ULSI scaling trends indicates that minimum feature sizes below 0.1 mu and gate thicknesses of <3 nm will be required in the near future. Given the importance of ultrathin gate dielectrics, well-focused basic scientific research and aggressive development programs must continue on the silicon oxide, oxynitride, and high K materials on silicon systems, especially in the critical, ultrathin 1-3 nm regime. The main thrust of the present book is a review, at the nano and atomic scale, the complex scientific issues related to the use of ultrathin dielectrics in next-generation Si-based devices. The contributing authors are leading scientists, drawn from academic, industrial and government laboratories throughout the world, and representing such backgrounds as basic and applied physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, surface science, and materials science. Audience: Both expert scientists and engineers who wish to keep up with cutting edge research, and new students who wish to learn more about the exciting basic research issues relevant to next-generation device technology.

This thesis extends our understanding of systems of independent electrons by developing a generalization of Bloch's Theorem which is applicable whenever translational symmetry is broken solely due to arbitrary boundary conditions. The thesis begins with a historical overview of topological condensed matter physics, placing the work in context, before introducing the generalized form of Bloch's Theorem. A cornerstone of electronic band structure and transport theory in crystalline matter, Bloch's Theorem is generalized via a reformulation of the diagonalization problem in terms of corner-modified block-Toeplitz matrices and, physically, by allowing the crystal momentum to take complex values. This formulation provides exact expressions for all the energy eigenvalues and eigenstates of the single-particle Hamiltonian. By precisely capturing the interplay between bulk and boundary properties, this affords an exact analysis of several prototypical models relevant to symmetry-protected topological phases of matter, including a characterization of zero-energy localized boundary excitations in both topological insulators and superconductors. Notably, in combination with suitable matrix factorization techniques, the generalized Bloch Hamiltonian is also shown to provide a natural starting point for a unified derivation of bulk-boundary correspondence for all symmetry classes in one dimension.

This book gives a readable introduction to the important, rapidly developing, field of nanophotonics. It provides a quick understanding of the basic elements of the field, allowing students and newcomers to progress rapidly to the frontiers of their interests. Topics include: The basic mathematical techniques needed for the study of the materials of nanophotonic technology; photonic crystals and their applications as laser resonators, waveguides, and circuits of waveguides; the application of photonic crystals technology in the design of optical diodes and transistors; the basic properties needed for the design and understanding of new types of engineered materials known as metamaterials; and a consideration of how and why these engineered materials have been formulated in the lab, as well as their applications as negative refractive index materials, as perfect lens, as cloaking devices, and their effects on Cherenkov and other types of radiation. Additionally, the book introduces the new field of plasmonics and reviews its important features. The role of plasmon-polaritons in the scattering and transmission of light by rough surfaces and the enhanced transmission of light by plasmon-polariton supporting surfaces is addressed. The important problems of subwavelength resolution are treated with discussions of applications in a number of scientific fields. The basic principles of near-field optical microscopy are presented with a number of important applications. The basics of atomic cavity physics, photonic entanglement and its relation to some of the basic properties of quantum computing, and the physics associated with the study of optical lattices are presented.

This book covers in a textbook-like fashion the basics or organic solar cells, addressing the limits of photovoltaic energy conversion and giving a well-illustrated introduction to molecular electronics with focus on the working principle and characterization of organic solar cells. Further chapters based on the author's dissertation focus on the electrical processes in organic solar cells by presenting a detailed drift-diffusion approach to describe exciton separation and charge-carrier transport and extraction. The results, although elaborated on small-molecule solar cells and with focus on the zinc phthalocyanine: C60 material system, are of general nature. They propose and demonstrate experimental approaches for getting a deeper understanding of the dominating processes in amorphous thin-film based solar cells in general. The main focus is on the interpretation of the current-voltage characteristics (J-V curve). This very standard measurement technique for a solar cell reflects the electrical processes in the device. Comparing experimental to simulation data, the author discusses the reasons for S-Shaped J-V curves, the role of charge carrier mobilities and energy barriers at interfaces, the dominating recombination mechanisms, the charge carrier generation profile, and other efficiency-limiting processes in organic solar cells. The book concludes with an illustrative guideline on how to identify reasons for changes in the J-V curve. This book is a suitable introduction for students in engineering, physics, material science, and chemistry starting in the field of organic or hybrid thin-film photovoltaics. It is just as valuable for professionals and experimentalists who analyze solar cell devices.

This book highlights the most recent developments in quantum dot spin physics and the generation of deterministic superior non-classical light states with quantum dots. In particular, it addresses single quantum dot spin manipulation, spin-photon entanglement and the generation of single-photon and entangled photon pair states with nearly ideal properties. The role of semiconductor microcavities, nanophotonic interfaces as well as quantum photonic integrated circuits is emphasized. The latest theoretical and experimental studies of phonon-dressed light matter interaction, single-dot lasing and resonance fluorescence in QD cavity systems are also provided. The book is written by the leading experts in the field.

Silicon-on-Insulator Technology: Materials to VLSI, 2nd Edition describes the different facets of SOI technology. SOI chips are now commercially available and SOI wafer manufacturers have gone public. SOI has finally made it out of the academic world and is now a big concern for every major semiconductor company. SOI technology has indeed deserved serious recognition: high-temperature (400 DegreesC), extremely rad-hard (500 Mrad(Si)), high-density (16 Mb, 0.9-volt DRAM), high-speed (several GHz) and low-voltage (0.5 V) SOI circuits have been demonstrated. Strategic choices in favor of the use of SOI for low-voltage, low-power portable systems have been made by several major semiconductor manufacturers. Silicon-on-Insulator Technology: Materials to VLSI, 2nd Edition presents a complete and state-of-the-art review of SOI materials, devices and circuits. SOI fabrication and characterization techniques, SOI device processing, the physics of the SOI MOSFET as well as that of SOI other devices, and the performances of SOI circuits are discussed in detail. The SOI specialist will find this book invaluable as a source of compiled references covering the different aspects of SOI technology. For the non-specialist, the book serves as an excellent introduction to the topic with detailed, yet simple and clear explanations. Silicon-on-Insulator Technology: Materials to VLSI, 2nd Edition is recommended for use as a textbook for classes on semiconductor device processing and physics. The level of the book is appropriate for teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Silicon-on-Insulator Technology: Materials to VLSI, 2nd Edition includes the new materials, devices, and circuit concepts which have been devised since the publication of the first edition. The circuit sections, in particular, have been updated to present the performances of SOI devices for low-voltage, low-power applications, as well as for high-temperature, smart-power, and DRAM applications. The other sections, such as those describing SOI materials, the physics of the SOI MOSFET and other devices have been updated to present the state of the art in SOI technology.

This book presents a new approach to the study of physical nonlinear circuits and advanced computing architectures with memristor devices. Such a unified approach to memristor theory has never been systematically presented in book form. After giving an introduction on memristor-based nonlinear dynamical circuits (e.g., periodic/chaotic oscillators) and their use as basic computing analogue elements, the authors delve into the nonlinear dynamical properties of circuits and systems with memristors and present the flux-charge analysis, a novel method for analyzing the nonlinear dynamics starting from writing Kirchhoff laws and constitutive relations of memristor circuit elements in the flux-charge domain. This analysis method reveals new peculiar and intriguing nonlinear phenomena in memristor circuits, such as the coexistence of different nonlinear dynamical behaviors, extreme multistability and bifurcations without parameters. The book also describes how arrays of memristor-based nonlinear oscillators and locally-coupled neural networks can be applied in the field of analog computing architectures, for example for pattern recognition. The book will be of interest to scientists and engineers involved in the conceptual design of physical memristor devices and systems, mathematical and circuit models of physical processes, circuits and networks design, system engineering, or data processing and system analysis.

Thin films are widely used in the electronic device industry. As the trend for miniaturization of electronic devices moves into the nanoscale domain, the reliability of thin films becomes an increasing concern. Building on the author's previous book, Electronic Thin Film Science by Tu, Mayer and Feldman, and based on a graduate course at UCLA given by the author, this new book focuses on reliability science and the processing of thin films. Early chapters address fundamental topics in thin film processes and reliability, including deposition, surface energy and atomic diffusion, before moving onto systematically explain irreversible processes in interconnect and packaging technologies. Describing electromigration, thermomigration and stress migration, with a closing chapter dedicated to failure analysis, the reader will come away with a complete theoretical and practical understanding of electronic thin film reliability. Kept mathematically simple, with real-world examples, this book is ideal for graduate students, researchers and practitioners.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in the development of semiconductor nanostructures and nanophotonic devices. It covers epitaxial growth processes for GaAs- and GaN-based quantum dots and quantum wells, describes the fundamental optical, electronic, and vibronic properties of nanomaterials, and addresses the design and realization of various nanophotonic devices. These include energy-efficient and high-speed vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and ultra-small metal-cavity nano-lasers for applications in multi-terabus systems; silicon photonic I/O engines based on the hybrid integration of VCSELs for highly efficient chip-to-chip communication; electrically driven quantum key systems based on q-bit and entangled photon emitters and their implementation in real information networks; and AlGaN-based deep UV laser diodes for applications in medical diagnostics, gas sensing, spectroscopy, and 3D printing. The experimental results are accompanied by reviews of theoretical models that describe nanophotonic devices and their base materials. The book details how optical transitions in the active materials, such as semiconductor quantum dots and quantum wells, can be described using a quantum approach to the dynamics of solid-state electrons under quantum confinement and their interaction with phonons, as well as their external pumping by electrical currents. With its broad and detailed scope, this book is indeed a cutting-edge resource for researchers, engineers and graduate-level students in the area of semiconductor materials, optoelectronic devices and photonic systems.

This thesis details the significant progress made in improving the performance of organic transistors and the network conductivity of carbon nanotubes. The first section investigates organic semiconductor nucleation and growth on the most common dielectric surface used to fabricate organic thin film transistors. The nucleation and growth of the semiconductor was determined to be a critical factor affecting the device performance. Excellent dielectric modification layers, which promote desirable semiconductor growth leading to high conductivity were identified, and a technologically relevant deposition technique was developed to fabricate high quality dielectric modification layers over large areas. This may represent an important step towards the realization of large area organic circuity. In the final section, lessons learned from studying organic semiconductor nucleation and growth were utilized to improve the conductivity of carbon nanotube networks. Selective nucleation of materials at the junctions between nanotubes in the network significantly decreased the network's sheet resistance. The resulting networks may be promising candidates for transparent electrodes with a variety of optoelectronic applications.

This book covers virtually all aspects of semiconductor nanowires, from growth to related applications, in detail. First, it addresses nanowires' growth mechanism, one of the most important topics at the forefront of nanowire research. The focus then shifts to surface functionalization: nanowires have a high surface-to-volume ratio and thus are well-suited to surface modification, which effectively functionalizes them. The book also discusses the latest advances in the study of impurity doping, a crucial process in nanowires. In addition, considerable attention is paid to characterization techniques such as nanoscale and in situ methods, which are indispensable for understanding the novel properties of nanowires. Theoretical calculations are also essential to understanding nanowires' characteristics, particularly those that derive directly from their special nature as one-dimensional nanoscale structures. In closing, the book considers future applications of nanowire structures in devices such as FETs and lasers.