The theoretical methods of quantum chemistry have matured to the point that accurate predictions can be made and experiments can be understood for a wide range of important gas-phase phenomena. A large part of this success can be attributed to the maturation of hierarchies of approximation, which allow one to approach very high accuracy, provided that sufficient computational resources are available. Until recently, these hierarchies have not been available in condensed-phase chemistry, but recent advances in the field have now led to a group of methods that are capable of reaching this goal. Accurate Condensed-Phase Quantum Chemistry addresses these new methods and the problems to which they can be applied. The book begins with an overview of periodic treatments of electron correlation, with an emphasis on the algorithmic features responsible for their computational efficiency. The first section of the book: Describes the Laplace-transform approach to periodic second-order perturbation theory (MP2) Examines local and density fitted schemes for MP2 in crystalline systems Presents test calculations for a variety of systems with small and medium-sized unit cells The next section focuses on methods based on treatment of the periodic solid in terms of fragments. This part of the book: Explores the incremental many-body scheme for electron correlation in solids, and describes progress towards metals and molecules on surfaces Describes the hierarchical method as an alternative fragment-based approach to electron correlation in crystalline solids, using conventional molecular electronic structure methods Examines electrostatically embedded many-body expansion for large systems, with an emphasis on molecular clusters and molecular liquids Explores delocalized and localized orbital approaches to the electronic structures of periodic and non-periodic solids Lastly, the book describes a practical method by which conventional molecular electronic structure theory can be applied to molecular liquids and solids. Along with the methodology, it presents results on small to medium water clusters as well as on liquid water.

Soft condensed matter physics, which emerged as a distinct branch of physics in the 1990s, studies complex fluids: liquids in which structures with length scale between the molecular and the macroscopic exist. Polymers, liquid crystals, surfactant solutions, and colloids fall into this category. Physicists deal with properties of soft matter systems that are generic and largely independent of chemical details. They are especially fascinated by the way soft matter systems can harness Brownian motion to self-assemble into higher-order structures.
Exploring the generic properties of soft matter offers insights into many fundamental questions that cut across a number of disciplines. Although many of these apply to materials and industrial applications, the focus of this volume is on their applications in molecular and cell biology based on the realization that biology is soft matter come alive.
The chapters in Soft Condensed Matter Physics in Molecular and Cell Biology originated as lectures in the NATO Advanced Science Institute (ASI) and Scottish Universities Summer Schools in Physics with the same name; they represent the thinking of seventeen experts operating at the cutting edge of their respective fields. The book provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental physics of soft matter and then explores its application with regard to the three important classes of biomacromolecules: proteins, DNA, and lipids, as well as to aspects of the biology of cells. The final section of the book considers experimental techniques, covering single molecule force spectroscopy of proteins, the use of optical tweezers, along with X-ray, neutron, and light scattering from solutions.
While this work presents fundamentals that make it a suitable text for graduate students in physics, it also offers valuable insights for established soft condensed matter physicists seeking to contribute to biology, and for biologists wanting to understand what the latest thinking in soft matter physics may be able to contribute to their discipline.

Vacuum technology finds itself in many areas of industry and research. These include materials handling, packaging, gas sampling, filtration, degassing of oils and metals, thin-film coating, electron microscopy, particle acceleration, and impregnation of electrical components. It is vital to design systems that are appropriate to the application, and with so many potential solutions this can become overwhelming. Vacuum Technique provides an overview of vacuum technology, its different design methodologies, and the underlying theory. The author begins with a summary of the properties of low-pressure gases, then moves on to describe mathematical modeling of gas transfer in the vacuum system, the operation of pumps and gauges, computer-aided synthesis and analysis of systems, and the design of different vacuum systems. In particular, the author discusses the structure and characteristics of low, middle, high, and superhigh vacuum systems, as well as the characteristics of joints, materials, movement inputs, and all aspects of production technology and construction standards. Using specific examples rather than describing the various elements, Vacuum Technique supplies engineers, technicians, researchers, and students with needed expertise and a comprehensive guide to designing, selecting, and using an appropriate vacuum system for a specific purpose.

While the macroscopic phenomenon of superconductivity is well known and in practical use worldwide, the current theoretical paradigm for superconductivity suffers from a number of limitations. For example, there is no currently accepted theoretical explanation for the pattern of superconductor critical temperatures in the periodic table. Historical developments in condensed matter were strongly focused on the similarities of all metals and the electron gas model, with little attention paid to their real differences. Accessible by a wide audience, Superconductivity Revisited explores the work of those who investigated the differences, and laid the foundation for all current and future work. Topics Include Pattern of Elemental Superconductors in the Periodic Table High-Temperature Superconductors Electron Spin in Superconductors Heat Capacity and Magnetic Susceptibility in Superconductors Quantum Foundations of Molecular Electricity and Magnetism Metals and Insulators Electron Transport in Metals Magnetoresistance Quantum Hall Effect Type I and Type II Superconductivity Superconductivity Revisited starts from the foundations and shows that the current theory of the subject cannot explain the pattern of superconductors in the periodic table, as the theory depends on a theory of resistivity not congruent with the Sommerfeld equation. Partial wave scattering is introduced as a route to deal with these issues. The book develops a theory of superconductivity that includes the periodic table. The new, coherent, understandable theory of superconductivity is directly based on thermodynamics, scattering theory, and molecular quantum mechanics.

The participation of such diverse scientific and technical disciplines as meteorology, astronomy, atmospheric electricity, ionospheric and magnetospheric physics, electromagnetic wave propagation, and radio techniques in the research of atmospherics means that results are published in scientific papers widely spread throughout the literature. This Handbook collects the latest knowledge on atmospherics and presents it in two volumes. Each chapter is written by an expert in his or her field. Topics include the physics of thunderclouds, thunder, global atmospheric electric currents, biological aspects of sferics, and various space techniques for detecting lightning within our own atmosphere as well as in the atmospheres of other planets. Up-to-date applications and methodology are detailed. Volumes I and II offer a comprehensive discussion that together will serve as an important resource for practitioners, professionals, and students alike.

Bent-Shaped Liquid Crystals: Structures and Physical Properties provides insight into the latest developments in the research on liquid crystals formed by bent-shaped mesogens. After a historical introduction, the expert authors discuss different kinds of mesophase structures formed by bent-shaped molecules. This book devotes the majority of its pages to physical properties such as polar switching, optics and non-linear optics, and behavior in restricted geometries. However, as chemistry is often highly relevant to the emergence of new phases, particularly with reflection symmetry breaking, it also involves a broad spectrum of interesting chemistry viewpoints.

A definitive new investigation of the science of snowflakes by the world's leading expert A snowflake's sophisticated symmetry emerges when crystalline ice grows from water vapor within the winter clouds. While certain iconic snowflake shapes are visually familiar to us, microscopic close-ups of falling snow reveal a rich menagerie of lesser-known forms, including slender needle clusters, hollow columns, bullet rosettes, triangular crystals, and exotic capped columns. What explains the myriad and unusual structures of snowflakes that materialize under different atmospheric conditions? In Snow Crystals, Kenneth Libbrecht delves into the science of snowflakes, examining why ice crystals grow the way they do, how patterns emerge, and what they illuminate about the fundamental physics of crystal growth, structure formation, and self-assembly. Libbrecht-the world's foremost expert on snowflakes-describes the full range of physical processes underlying their occurrence. He explores such topics as the centuries-long development of snow crystal science, the crystalline structure of ice, molecular dynamics at the ice surface, diffusion-limited growth, surface attachment kinetics, computational models of snow crystal growth, laboratory techniques for creating and studying snow crystals, different types of natural snowflakes, and photographing snow crystals. Throughout, Libbrecht's extensive detailed discussions are accompanied by hundreds of beautiful full-color images. From the molecular dynamics of surface premelting to the aerodynamics of falling snow, Snow Crystals chronicles the continuing quest to fully understand this fascinating phenomenon.

Using examples from across the sub-disciplines of physics, this introduction shows why effective field theories are the language in which physical laws are written. The tools of effective field theory are demonstrated using worked examples from areas including particle, nuclear, atomic, condensed matter and gravitational physics. To bring the subject within reach of scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there are clear physical explanations, rigorous derivations, and extensive appendices on background material, such as quantum field theory. Starting from undergraduate-level quantum mechanics, the book gets to state-of-the-art calculations using both relativistic and nonrelativistic few-body and many-body examples, and numerous end-of-chapter problems derive classic results not covered in the main text. Graduate students and researchers in particle physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, string theory, and mathematical physics more generally, will find this book ideal for both self-study and for organized courses on effective field theory.

Anomalous transport is a ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical, geophysical and laboratory plasmas; and is a key topic in controlled nuclear fusion research. Despite its fundamental importance and ongoing research interest, a full understanding of anomalous transport in plasmas is still incomplete, due to the complexity of the nonlinear phenomena involved. Aspects in Anomalous Transport in Plasmas is the first book to systematically consider anomalous plasma transport theory and provides a unification of the many theoretical models by emphasizing interrelations between seemingly different methodologies. It is not intended as a catalogue of the vast number of plasma instabilities leading to anomalous transport; instead it chooses a number of these and emphasizes the aspects specifically due to turbulence. After a brief introduction, the microscopic theory of turbulence is discussed, including quasilinear theory and various aspects of renormalization methods, which leads to an understanding of resonance broadening, mode coupling, trajectory correlation and clumps. The second half of the book is devoted to stochiastic tramsport, using methods based on the Langevin equations and on Random Walk theory. This treatment aims at going beyond the traditional limits of weak turbulence, by introducing the recently developed method of decorrelation trajectories, and its application to electrostatic turbulence, magnetic turbulence and zonal flow generation. The final chapter includes very recent work on the nonlocal transport phenomenon.

Introducing basic principles of plasma physics and their applications to space, laboratory and astrophysical plasmas, this new edition provides updated material throughout. Topics covered include single-particle motions, kinetic theory, magnetohydrodynamics, small amplitude waves in hot and cold plasmas, and collisional effects. New additions include the ponderomotive force, tearing instabilities in resistive plasmas and the magnetorotational instability in accretion disks, charged particle acceleration by shocks, and a more in-depth look at nonlinear phenomena. A broad range of applications are explored: planetary magnetospheres and radiation belts, the confinement and stability of plasmas in fusion devices, the propagation of discontinuities and shock waves in the solar wind, and analysis of various types of plasma waves and instabilities that can occur in planetary magnetospheres and laboratory plasma devices. With step-by-step derivations and self-contained introductions to mathematical methods, this book is ideal as an advanced undergraduate to graduate-level textbook, or as a reference for researchers.

Atmospheric-pressure plasmas continue to attract considerable research interest due to their diverse applications, including high power lasers, opening switches, novel plasma processing applications and sputtering, EM absorbers and reflectors, remediation of gaseous pollutants, excimer lamps, and other noncoherent light sources. Atmospheric-pressure plasmas in air are of particular importance as they can be generated and maintained without vacuum enclosure and without any additional feed gases.

Non-Equilibrium Air Plasmas at Atmospheric Pressure reviews recent advances and applications in the generation and maintenance of atmospheric-pressure plasmas. With contributions from leading international researchers, the coverage includes advances in atmospheric-pressure plasma source development, diagnostics and characterization, air plasma chemistry, modeling and computational techniques, and an assessment of the status and prospects of atmospheric-pressure air plasma applications. The extensive application sections make this book attractive for practitioners in many fields where technologies based on atmospheric-pressure air plasmas are emerging.

Written by the leading names in this field, this book introduces the technical properties, design and fabrication details, measurement results, and applications of three-dimensional silicon radiation sensors. Such devices are currently used in the ATLAS experiment at the European Centre for Particle Physics (CERN) for particle tracking in high energy physics. These sensors are the radiation hardest devices ever fabricated and have applications in ground-breaking research in neutron detection, medical dosimetry and space technologies and more. Chapters explore the essential features of silicon particle detectors, interactions of radiation with matter, radiation damage effects, and micro-fabrication, in addition to a providing historical overview of the field. This book will be a key reference for students and researchers working with sensor technologies. Features: The first book dedicated to this unique and growing subject area, which is also widely applicable in high-energy physics, medical physics, space science and beyond Authored by Sherwood Parker, the inventor of the concept of 3D detectors; Cinzia Da Via, who has brought 3DSi technology to application; and Gian-Franco Dalla Betta, a leading figure in the design and fabrication technology of these devices Explains to non-experts the essential features of silicon particle detectors, interactions of radiation with matter, radiation damage effects, and micro-fabrication

Series Information:
Electrocomponent Science Monographs

This unique monograph investigates the synthesis, properties and processing of energetic materials and propellant compositions. The thermal decomposition of energetic compounds, such as aliphatic and aromatic nitrocompounds, nitramines, nitroethers, organic azides and difluoroamines, polynitrous heterocycles, and onium salts of different acids, the most important components of modern propellants, are given. The kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions for both real and model compounds are presented and the classic problem of the dependence of explosive activity on molecular structure is examined.

New methods for a formal kinetic description of decay of condensed substances, the determination of the energy of bond rupture in polyfunctional compounds and the theory of solid-phase reactions are also given. Applications to problems of predicting the stability, compatibility, and the stabilization of explosives and propellant components are included.

The book will be of interest to graduate students, researchers and professionals in industry interested in chemical kinetics and the combustion of energetic materials.

Amorphous-nanocrystalline alloys are a relatively new class of materials born from the rapid development of new technologies and different methods of producing amorphous and nanocrystalline powders and films, compacting, melt quenching, megaplastic deformation, implantation, laser, plasma, and other high-energy methods. This book considers methods of producing these materials (melt quenching, controlled crystallization, deformation effect, and pulse treatments (photon, laser and ultrasound), spraying thin films, and ion implantation). Theoretical and experimental studies describe plastic deformation mechanisms and physico-mechanical properties. Practical applications are also presented.

The author describes superfluidity as the jewel in the crown of low temperature physics. At low enough temperatures, every substance in thermal equilibrium must become ordered. Since some materials remain fluid to the lowest temperatures, it is a fascinating question as to how this ordering can take place. One possibility is the formation of a superfluid state, a state in which there is macroscopic quantum order, effectively quantum mechanics in a tea-cup. These ideas are developed in chapter 1. The book assumes some basic knowledge of quantum, statistical and thermal physics, and builds on this background to give a readable introduction to the three superfluids of low temperature physics.
A short chapter describing experimental techniques is included. The emphasis throughout is on physical principles rather than technical detail, with the aim of introducing the subject in an accessible yet authoritative way to final year undergraduates or starting postgraduate students.

Although the subject matter is a well established sub-set of undergraduate solid state physics, the main feature of this book is that it develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond broader texts in a single, one-stop sourcebook. It is expected that the student will have acquired an appropriate knowledge of relevant mathematics and will have taken previous introductory courses in quantum mechanics and solid state physics. It applies and develops that knowledge further, to build an understanding of three of the most significant topics in solid state physics, namely semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. Additional quantum mechanics techniques, such as the variational method and perturbation theory, which are not usually found in introductory courses, are introduced and applied as required throughout the text, so that the material in the book is then suitable for a stand-alone final year course, covering the necessary physics from a basic to advanced level.

Although the subject matter is a well established sub-set of undergraduate solid state physics, the main feature of this book is that it develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond broader texts in a single, one-stop sourcebook. It is expected that the student will have acquired an appropriate knowledge of relevant mathematics and will have taken previous introductory courses in quantum mechanics and solid state physics. It applies and develops that knowledge further, to build an understanding of three of the most significant topics in solid state physics, namely semiconductors, magnetism and superconductivity. Additional quantum mechanics techniques, such as the variational method and perturbation theory, which are not usually found in introductory courses, are introduced and applied as required throughout the text, so that the material in the book is then suitable for a stand-alone final year course, covering the necessary physics from a basic to advanced level.
Key Features:
* Priced especially for the Undergraduate/Master's student
* A unique book that develops the concepts of quantum theory for the solid state from basics to a level beyond much broader texts in a single-stop sourcebook
* Written specifically for a course in Quantum Theory at Undergraduate/Master's level

The Handbook of Thin Film Process Technology is a practical handbook for the thin film scientist, engineer and technician. This handbook is regularly updated with new material, and this volume is a special issue on reactive sputtering which will be of interest to a wide range of industrial and academic researchers in addition to owners of the main Handbook. Some recent developments in the reactive sputtering field are covered, including unbalanced magnetron sputtering and pulsed reactive sputtering. The articles contain a wealth of practical information relating to applications, practice and manufacturing techniques.

The Interaction of High-Power Lasers with Plasmas provides a thorough self-contained discussion of the physical processes occurring in laser-plasma interactions, including a detailed review of the relevant plasma and laser physics. The book analyzes laser absorption and propagation, electron transport, and the relevant plasma waves in detail. It also discusses the physics of the electric and magnetic fields in a laser-induced plasma medium, laser-induced shock waves, rarefaction waves, heat waves, and the related hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh-Taylor, Richtmyer-Meshkov, and Kelvin-Helmholtz).
A pedagogical presentation, the book addresses the basic physics issues from first principles, using simple models wherever appropriate. The coverage provides a foundation on which the graduate student can build an understanding of the past and present research in this field. For the experienced researcher, the book is a comprehensive and useful presentation of laser-plasma interactions.

Hierarchical Micro/Nanostructured Materials: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications presents the latest fabrication, properties, and applications of hierarchical micro/nanostructured materials in two sections-powders and arrays. After a general introduction to hierarchical micro/nanostructured materials, the first section begins with a detailed discussion of the methods of mass production for hierarchical micro/nanostructured powders, including structure-directed solvothermal routes, template-etching strategies, and electrospinning technologies. It then proceeds to address structurally enhanced adsorption and photocatalytic performances. The second section describes strategies for the fabrication of hierarchical micro/nanostructured object arrays and their devices, such as modified colloidal lithographies-based solution and electrodeposition. It also examines the structure-dependent properties and performances of the micro/nanostructured arrays, including surface wettability, optical properties, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effects, and gas-sensing performances. In its cutting-edge coverage, Hierarchical Micro/Nanostructured Materials: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications explores the use of hierarchical micro/nanostructured materials in environmental remediation and detection devices, commenting on future trends and applications in catalysis, integrated nanophotonics, optical devices, super-high density storage media, sensors, nanobiotechnology, SERS substrates, and more.

Spawned by growing interest in ultrasonic technology and new developments in ultrasonic melt processing, the Second Edition of Ultrasonic Treatment of Light Alloy Melts discusses use of ultrasonic melt treatment in direct-chill casting, shape casting, rapid solidification, zone refining, and more, exploring the effects of power ultrasound on melt degassing, filtration, and refinement in aluminum and magnesium alloys. The fully revised and restructured Second Edition: Contains new, in-depth coverage of composite and nanocomposite materials Provides a historical review of the last century of ultrasonic applications to metallurgy Emphasizes the fundamentals, mechanisms, and applications of ultrasonic melt processing in different light-metal technologies Features new chapters on ultrasonic grain refinement, refinement of primary solid phases, and semi-solid processing of billets with nondendritic structure Includes significant updates reflecting results obtained over the past two decades on different scales, from laboratory to full-scale industrial implementations Complete with many new figures and examples, Ultrasonic Treatment of Light Alloy Melts, Second Edition delivers a comprehensive treatise on ultrasonic melt processing and cavitation, presenting essential guidelines for practical use and further development of the technology.

Covering the key theories, tools, and techniques of this dynamic field, Handbook of Nanophysics: Principles and Methods elucidates the general theoretical principles and measurements of nanoscale systems. Each peer-reviewed chapter contains a broad-based introduction and enhances understanding of the state-of-the-art scientific content through fundamental equations and illustrations, some in color. This volume explores the theories involved in nanoscience. It also discusses the properties of nanomaterials and nanosystems, including superconductivity, thermodynamics, nanomechanics, and nanomagnetism. In addition, leading experts describe basic processes and methods, such as atomic force microscopy, STM-based techniques, photopolymerization, photoisomerization, soft x-ray holography, and molecular imaging. Nanophysics brings together multiple disciplines to determine the structural, electronic, optical, and thermal behavior of nanomaterials; electrical and thermal conductivity; the forces between nanoscale objects; and the transition between classical and quantum behavior. Facilitating communication across many disciplines, this landmark publication encourages scientists with disparate interests to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and incorporate the theory and methodology of other areas into their work.

Through its inclusion of specific applications, The Mathematical Theory of Elasticity, Second Edition continues to provide a bridge between the theory and applications of elasticity. It presents classical as well as more recent results, including those obtained by the authors and their colleagues. Revised and improved, this edition incorporates additional examples and the latest research results. New to the Second Edition Exposition of the application of Laplace transforms, the Dirac delta function, and the Heaviside function Presentation of the Cherkaev, Lurie, and Milton (CLM) stress invariance theorem that is widely used to determine the effective moduli of elastic composites The Cauchy relations in elasticity A body force analogy for the transient thermal stresses A three-part table of Laplace transforms An appendix that explores recent developments in thermoelasticity Although emphasis is placed on the problems of elastodynamics and thermoelastodynamics, the text also covers elastostatics and thermoelastostatics. It discusses the fundamentals of linear elasticity and applications, including kinematics, motion and equilibrium, constitutive relations, formulation of problems, and variational principles. It also explains how to solve various boundary value problems of one, two, and three dimensions. This professional reference includes access to a solutions manual for those wishing to adopt the book for instructional purposes.

Many bottom-up and top-down techniques for nanomaterial and nanostructure generation have enabled the development of applications in nanoelectronics and nanophotonics. Handbook of Nanophysics: Nanoelectronics and Nanophotonics explores important recent applications of nanophysics in the areas of electronics and photonics. Each peer-reviewed chapter contains a broad-based introduction and enhances understanding of the state-of-the-art scientific content through fundamental equations and illustrations, some in color. This volume discusses how different nanomaterials, such as quantum dots and nanotubes, are used in quantum computing, capacitors, and transistors. Leading international experts review the potential of the novel patterning techniques in molecular electronics as well as nanolithography approaches for producing semiconductor circuits. They also describe optical properties of nanostructures, nanowires, nanorods, and clusters, including cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence, and polarization-sensitivity. In addition, the book covers nanophotonic devices and nanolasers. Nanophysics brings together multiple disciplines to determine the structural, electronic, optical, and thermal behavior of nanomaterials; electrical and thermal conductivity; the forces between nanoscale objects; and the transition between classical and quantum behavior. Facilitating communication across many disciplines, this landmark publication encourages scientists with disparate interests to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and incorporate the theory and methodology of other areas into their work.