Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earths: Including Actinides, Volume 54, is a continuous series of books covering all aspects of rare earth science, including chemistry, life sciences, materials science and physics. The book's main emphasis is on rare earth elements [Sc, Y, and the lanthanides (La through Lu], but whenever relevant, information is also included on the closely related actinide elements. Individual chapters are comprehensive, broad, up-to-date, critical reviews written by highly experienced, invited experts. The series, which was started in 1978 by Professor Karl A. Gschneidner Jr., combines, and integrates, both the fundamentals and applications of these elements.

Solid State Physics, Volume 69, provides the latest information on the branch of physics that is primarily devoted to the study of matter in its solid phase, especially at the atomic level. This prestigious serial presents timely and state-of-the-art reviews pertaining to all aspects of solid state physics.

Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earths: Including Actinides, Volume 53, is a continuous series covering all aspects of rare earth science, including chemistry, life sciences, materials science and physics. The book focuses on rare earth elements [Sc, Y, and the lanthanides (La through Lu], but when relevant, information is included on the related actinide elements. Individual chapters are comprehensive, up-to-date, critical reviews written by highly experienced, invited experts, with this release including chapters on a Comparison of the Electronic Properties of Lanthanides with Formally Isoelectronic Actinides, Redox catalysis with redox-inactive rare-earth ions in artificial photosynthesis, and more. The series, which was started in 1978 by Professor Karl A. Gschneidner Jr., combines, and integrates, both the fundamentals and applications of these elements with two published volumes each year.

An informal and highly accessible writing style, a simple treatment of mathematics, and clear guide to applications have made this book a classic text in electrical and electronic engineering. The fundamental ideas relevant to the understanding of the electrical properties of materials are emphasized; in addition, topics are selected in order to explain the operation of devices having applications (or possible future applications) in engineering. The mathematics, kept deliberately to a minimum, is well within the grasp of undergraduate students. This is achieved by choosing the simplest model that can display the essential properties of a phenomenom, and then examining the difference between the ideal and the actual behaviour. The whole text is designed as an undergraduate course. However most individual sections are self contained and can be used as background reading in graduate courses, and for interested persons who want to explore advances in microelectronics, lasers, nanotechnology, and several other topics that impinge on modern life.

Gibbs' Entropic Paradox and Problems of Separation Processes reviews the so-called Gibb's Paradox observed during the mixing of two systems. During the last 150 years, many physicists and specialists in thermodynamics, statistical and quantum mechanics been engaged in the solution of the Gibbs paradox. Many books and journal articles have written on this topic, but a widely accepted answer is still lacking. In this book, the author reviews and analyzes all this data. Based on findings, the book formulates a different approach to this paradox and substantiates it on the basis of physical and statistical principles. The book clearly shows that entropy consists of two parts, static and dynamic. Up to now, entropy has been connected only with the process dynamics. However, the Gibbs paradox is caused by the change in the static component of entropy. Finally, the book includes examples of separation processes and how to optimize them in various fields, including biology, cosmology, crystallography and the social sciences.

In recent years, there have been great advances in the applications of topology and differential geometry to problems in condensed matter physics. Concepts drawn from topology and geometry have become essential to the understanding of several phenomena in the area. The main purpose of this book is to provide a brief, self-contained introduction to some mathematical ideas and methods from differential geometry and topology, and to show a few applications in condensed matter.

Foams are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Their presence is highly desirable in certain foods, drinks and cosmetics, and they are essential in oil recovery and mineral extraction. In some industrial processes (such as the manufacture of glass, paper and wine) foams are an unwelcome by-product. Why do they appear? What controls the rate at which they disappear? Do they flow in the same way as ordinary liquids? All of these questions and more are addressed here, incorporating significant recent contributions to the field of foams. This book is the first to provide a thorough description of all aspects of the physico-chemical properties of foams. It sets out what is known about their structure, their stability, and their rheology. Engineers, researchers and students will find descriptions of all the key concepts, illustrated by numerous applications, as well as experiments and exercises for the reader. A solutions manual for lecturers is available via the publisher's web site.

This book, based primarily on late breaking work ... provides an interesting snapshot at some of the main lines of current and new research within the field, such as investigation of the novel properties of ionic liquids and their uses in separations (e.g., gases, organics, and metal ions), biochemistry, medicine, and nanochemistry. The chapters also reflect the growing theoretical and computational work within the field leading to new predictive capability.
- From the Preface

There are eight columns in the Periodic Table. The eighth column is comprised of the rare gases, so-called because they are the rarest elements on earth. They are also called the inert or noble gases because, like nobility, they do no work. They are colorless, odorless, invisible gases which do not react with anything, and were thought to be unimportant until the early 1960s. Starting in that era, David Fisher has spent roughly fifty years doing research on these gases, publishing nearly a hundred papers in the scientific journals, applying them to problems in geophysics and cosmochemistry, and learning how other scientists have utilized them to change our ideas about the universe, the sun, and our own planet.
Much Ado about (Practically) Nothing will cover this spectrum of ideas, interspersed with the author's own work which will serve to introduce each gas and the important work others have done with them. The rare gases have participated in a wide range of scientific advances-even revolutions-but no book has ever recorded the entire story. Fisher will range from the intricacies of the atomic nucleus and the tiniest of elementary particles, the neutrino, to the energy source of the stars; from the age of the earth to its future energies; from life on Mars to cancer here on earth. A whole panoply that has never before been told as an entity.

Solid state physics is the branch of physics that is primarily devoted to the study of matter in its solid phase, especially at the atomic level. This prestigious serial presents timely and state-of-the-art reviews pertaining
to all aspects of solid state physics.
This latest volume in the series is devoted to the science underpinning two cutting edge areas: protein crystallization and semiconductor nanostructures. The extended and very complete review by E. Runge was awarded this year's Karl-Scheel Prize for "the outstanding publication by a young physicist from Berlin."

The progress in device technologies are surveyed in this volume. Included are Si/ (Si-Ge) heterojunctions for high-speed integrated circuits. Schottky-barrier arrays in Si and Si-Ge alloys for infrared imaging, III-V quantum-well detector structures operated in the heterodyne mode for high-data-rate communications, and III-V heterostructures and quantum-wells for infrared transmissions.

Physics of Thin Films is one of the longest running continuing series in thin film science, consisting of twenty volumes since 1963. The series contains quality studies of the properties of various thinfilms materials and systems.
In order to be able to reflect the development of today's science and to cover all modern aspects of thin films, the series, starting with Volume 20, has moved beyond the basic physics of thin films. It now addresses the most important aspects of both inorganic and organic thin films, in both their theoretical as well as technological aspects. Therefore, in order to reflect the modern technology-oriented problems, the title has been slightly modified from Physics of Thin Films to Thin Films.
Key Features
* Discusses the latest research about structure, physics, and infrared photoemissive behavior of heavily doped silicon homojunctions and Ge and GaAs-based alloy junctions
* Reviews the current status of SiGe/Si quantum wells for infrared detection
* Discusses key developments in the growing research on quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs)
* Reviews Chois development of a family of novel three-terminal, multi-quantum well devices designed to improve high-temperature IR detectivity at long wavelengths
* Describes recent studies aimed at using multi-quantum well structures to achieve higher performance in solar cell devices based on materials systems

This book presents the SPH method (Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics) for fluid modelling from a theoretical and applied viewpoint. It comprises two parts that refer to each other. The first one, dealing with the fundamentals of Hydraulics, is based on the elementary principles of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. The specific laws governing a system of macroscopic particles are built, before large systems involving dissipative processes are explained. The continua are discussed, and a fairly exhaustive account of turbulence is given. The second part discloses the bases of the SPH Lagrangian numerical method from the continuous equations, as well as from discrete variational principles, setting out the method's specific properties of conservativity and invariance. Various numerical schemes are compared, permanently referring to the physics as dealt with in the first part. Applications to schematic instances are discussed, and, ultimately, practical applications to the dimensioning of coastal and fluvial structures are considered.
Despite the rapid growth in the SPH field, this book is the first to present the method in a comprehensive way for fluids. It should serve as a rigorous introduction to SPH and a reference for fundamental mathematical fluid dynamics. This book is intended for scientists, doctoral students, teachers, and engineers, who want to enjoy a rather unified approach to the theoretical bases of Hydraulics or who want to improve their skills using the SPH method. It will inspire the reader with a feeling of unity, answering many questions without any detrimental formalism.

This book is on inertial confinement fusion, an alternative way to produce electrical power from hydrogen fuel by using powerful lasers or particle beams. Two huge laser facilities are presently under construction to show that this method works. It involves the compression of tiny amounts (micrograms) of fuel to thousand times solid density and pressures otherwise existing only in the centre of stars. Thanks to advances in laser technology, it is now possible to produce such extreme states of matter in the laboratory. Recent developments have boosted laser intensities again with new possibilities for laser particle accelerators, laser nuclear physics, and fast ignition of fusion targets. This is a reference book for those working on beam plasma physics, be it in the context of fundamental research or applications to fusion energy or novel ultra-bright laser sources. The book combines quite different areas of physics: beam target interaction, dense plasmas, hydrodynamic implosion and instabilities, radiative energy transfer as well as fusion reactions. Particular attention is given to simple and useful modeling, including dimensional analysis and similarity solutions. Both authors have worked in this field for more than 20 years. They want to address in particular those teaching this topic to students and all those interested in understanding the technical basis.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology have functioned as effective "buzzwords " for at least a decade due to the unique properties that materials possess on the nanometer scale. The interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology is so great and so widespread that these topics are even being introduced at the K-12 level in some school districts. Nanoscience and nanotechnology have already improved many applications and have the potential to continue to do so, making it important for all types of scientists to stay up-to-date on research related to nanomaterials. In the first section of this book, a variety of synthetic methods used to make or functionalize nanomaterials are presented with work related to mesoporous materials, semiconductor nanowires, graphene, and carbon nanotubes included. The second section of the book presents accounts of using nanotechnology and nanoscience in a variety of ways. Overall, this book presents a snapshot of research covering synthetic studies of nanomaterials to applications of nanomaterials.

The behaviour of electrons in systems without periodicity is one of the most fascinating areas in solid-state physics, and the last 25 years have seen an enormous increase in research in this field. This has given rise to many new ideas for understanding electronic states in disordered systems, especially the study of the degenerate electron gas in which electron-electron interactions are important. This book provides a much needed survey of these advances. In the first part of the book, the authors discuss impurity bands in three dimensions. Attention is focused on the regime in which the electrons are spatially localized rather than free, so that an interesting interplay of localization and interaction arises. In the second part of the book, they look at the outstanding features of the two-dimensional systems, explaining how these make the localization problem special and interesting. The authors have provided a clear outline of the theoretical picture for the chosen materials and description heuristic. Each chapter is self-contained, allowing readers to pursue their special interests.

Ionic liquids and Their Application in Green Chemistry covers the synthesis and characterization of a broad range of ionic liquids (ILs) and their polymers, along with their application in multiple areas for nanomaterials and environmental sustainability. The book provides reference material for future research in IL-based technologies for environmental and energy applications. It covers not only the conventional IL applications. but also advanced IL polymer-based materials and their application in energy storage and energy generator applications. Finally, the book discusses the major fields of application of IL-based materials in synthesis of nanomaterials and the role in graphene synthesis and its composites. Written by eminent scholars and leading experts from around the world, this book brings the literature up to date on the most recent progress in the field of IL based materials and their applications for the environmental sustainability.

This book employs nonequilibrium quantum transport, based on the use of mixed Hilbert space representations and real time quantum superfield transport theory, to explain various topological phases of systems with entangled chiral degrees of freedom. It presents an entirely new perspective on topological systems, entanglement-induced localization and delocalization, integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE), fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE), and its respective spectral zones in the Hofstadter butterfly spectrum. A simple and powerful, intuitive, and wide-ranging perspective on chiral transport dynamics.

Advanced Applications of Biobased Materials: Food, Biomedical, and Environmental Applications brings together cutting-edge developments in the preparation and application of biobased materials. The book begins by providing an overview of biobased materials, their classification, and their physical and chemical modifications. This is followed by a section covering the latest techniques in fabrication, processing and characterization. Subsequent chapters are grouped by application area, offering insights into advanced and emerging utilizations of biobased materials in food, biomedical and environmental applications. Sections cover lifecycle assessment, circular economy, sustainability, and future potential. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students across polymer science, sustainable materials, biomaterials, materials chemistry, composite science, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and environmental science, as well a great book for engineers and R&D with an interest in biobased materials for emerging applications in the areas of biomedicine, food and the environment.

Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials, Second Edition offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors who require a thorough understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on materials and product performance. Sections cover thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics, as well as various techniques, such as thermogravimetry in combination with mass spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry to investigate thermal decomposition routes. Other chapters focus on polymers and copolymers, including polyolefins, styrene polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyacrylates, natural polymers, inorganic polymers, high temperature-resistant and conducting polymers, blends, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanocomposites, and biocomposites. Finally, other key considerations such as recycling of polymers by thermal degradation, thermal degradation during processing, and modelling, are discussed in detail.

Solid State Physics, Volume 73, the latest release in this serial that highlights new advances in the field, presents interesting chapters on a variety of current topics in the field, with each chapter written by an international board of authors.

Design and Fabrication of Large Polymer Constructions in Space is a ground-breaking study of the polymeric materials, advanced chemical processes, and cutting-edge technology required in the construction of large polymer-based structures for space, when all steps in the process are carried out in the space environment, whether in orbit, in deep space, or on the surface of a moon, asteroid, or planet. The book begins by introducing the fundamentals and requirements of large constructions and inflatable structures for space. The next section of the book focuses on the utilization of polymeric materials within the space environment, examining the effects on materials (vacuum, plasma, temperature), the possible approaches to polymerization both in space and in orbit, the preparation and structure of polymer composites, and the methods for testing materials and structures in terms of strength, defects, and aging. Three chapters then cover how these materials and techniques might be applied to specific categories of construction, including larger space habitats, supporting space structures, and ground infrastructure. Finally, the financial aspects, the consequences for human space exploitation, and the possible future developments are discussed. Using materials science to push the boundaries of construction for space exploration and exploitation, this book is a unique resource for academic researchers and advanced students across polymer science, advanced materials, chemical engineering, construction, and space engineering, as well as for researchers, scientists and engineers at space agencies, companies and laboratories, involved in developing materials or technology for use in space. This is also of great interest to anyone interested in the role of materials science in the building of large space stations, spacecraft, planetary bases, large aperture antenna, radiation and thermal shields, and repairmen sets.

Elastomer Blends and Composites: Principles, Characterization, Advances, and Applications presents the latest developments in natural rubber and synthetic rubber-based blends and nanocomposites, with a focus on current trends, future directions and state-of-the-art applications. The book introduces the fundamentals of natural rubber and synthetic rubbers, outlining synthesis, structure, properties, challenges and potential applications. This is followed by detailed coverage of compounding and formulations, manufacturing methods, and preparation of elastomer-based blends, composites, and nanocomposites. The next section of the book focuses on properties and characterization, examining elasticity, spectroscopy, barrier properties, and rheological, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic behavior, and more. This is a highly valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in rubber (or elastomer) science, polymer blends, composites, polymer science, and materials science and engineering, as well as engineers, technologists, and scientists working with rubber-based materials for advanced applications.