After an introduction by J.G. Bednorz, describing the discovery of high Tc superconductivity and its consequences, the book goes on to describe modern research, dealing with general problems, new materials and structures, phase separation, electronic homogeneities and related problems, and applications. Specific systems dealt with include the La-cuprates. the Bi-cuprates and the Y-cuprates and related compounds.

A discussion of explosive pulsed power systems and their applications, this book consists of 7 chapters. The first five describe the basic physics of these sources and their ancillary equipment, based on a manual for training engineers in Russia. Chapter 6 is a description of codes and methodologies used at Loughborough University in the UK to build flux compressors, while Chapter 7 covers two specific applications: high power lasers and high power microwave sources. The book introduces all types of explosive power sources and their ancillary equipment, the procedures required to build them, and specific applications.

"This volume deals with the interaction of acoustic fields with bubbles in liquids, with emphasis on the principles of cavitation--the generation of bubbles in liquids by rapid changes, such as those introduced by ultrasound. When cavity bubbles implode they produce shock waves in the liquid. If cavitation is induced by turbulent flow, components can be damaged. These phenomena have important implications, particularly in underwater acoustics, one of the fastest growing fields in acoustics research. The Acoustic Bubble skillfully explains the physical processes involved in cavitation both by analogy and formulation, making the concepts accessible to those with a minimal background in mathematics. This book willbe of great interest to those engaged in research in a wide range of areas, from sonochemistry to the sensitization of explosives.

This thesis presents results crucial to the emerging field of indirect excitons. These specially designed quasiparticles give the unique opportunity to study fundamental properties of quantum degenerate Bose gases in semiconductors. Furthermore, indirect excitons allow for the creation of novel optoelectronic devices where excitons are used in place of electrons. Excitonic devices are explored for the development of advanced signal processing seamlessly coupled with optical communication. The thesis presents and describes the author's imaging experiments that led to the discovery of spin transport of excitons. The many firsts presented herein include the first studies of an excitonic conveyer, leading to the discovery of the dynamical localization-delocalization transition for excitons, and the first excitonic ramp and excitonic diode with no energy-dissipating voltage gradient.

This book presents the anisotropy and multiband effects in newly discovered unconventional superconductors: cuprate superconductors, borocarbides, magnezium-diboride and oxypnictides. The physical properties of these unconventional superconductors and the application of the two-band Ginzburg-Landau theory to these superconducting compounds are explained. Temperature dependencies of fundamental superconducting parameters are calculated using the GL theory taking into account multiband-and anisotropy effects. A comparision of theoretical results and experimental data is conducted. Additionally, the analytical solution of the microscopical Eliashberg theory and of the BCS theory is developed for two-band and anisotropic superconductors. Fluctuation effects in newly discovered superconductors are also discussed.

Magnetic control of the properties and the flow of liquids is a challenging field for basic research and for applications. This book is meant to be both an introduction to, and a state-of-the-art review of, this topic. Written in the form of a set of lectures and tutorial reviews, the book addresses the synthesis and characterization of magnetic fluids, their hydrodynamical description and their rheological properties. The book closes with an account of magnetic drug targeting.

This is a new, completely revised, updated and enlarged edition of the author's Ergebnisse vol. 46: "Spin Glasses: A Challenge for Mathematicians" in two volumes (this is the 2nd volume). In the eighties, a group of theoretical physicists introduced several models for certain disordered systems, called "spin glasses." These models are simple and rather canonical random structures, of considerable interest for several branches of science (statistical physics, neural networks and computer science). The physicists studied them by non-rigorous methods and predicted spectacular behaviors. This book introduces in a rigorous manner this exciting new area to the mathematically minded reader. It requires no knowledge whatsoever of any physics. The present Volume II contains a considerable amount of new material, in particular all the fundamental low-temperature results obtained after the publication of the first edition.

Humans have been "manually" extracting patterns from data for centuries, but the increasing volume of data in modern times has called for more automatic approaches. Early methods of identifying patterns in data include Bayes' theorem (1700s) and Regression analysis (1800s). The proliferation, ubiquity and incre- ing power of computer technology has increased data collection and storage. As data sets have grown in size and complexity, direct hands-on data analysis has - creasingly been augmented with indirect, automatic data processing. Data mining has been developed as the tool for extracting hidden patterns from data, by using computing power and applying new techniques and methodologies for knowledge discovery. This has been aided by other discoveries in computer science, such as Neural networks, Clustering, Genetic algorithms (1950s), Decision trees (1960s) and Support vector machines (1980s). Data mining commonlyinvolves four classes of tasks: * Classi cation: Arranges the data into prede ned groups. For example, an e-mail program might attempt to classify an e-mail as legitimate or spam. Common algorithmsinclude Nearest neighbor,Naive Bayes classi er and Neural network. * Clustering: Is like classi cation but the groups are not prede ned, so the algorithm will try to group similar items together. * Regression: Attempts to nd a function which models the data with the least error. A common method is to use Genetic Programming. * Association rule learning: Searches for relationships between variables. For example, a supermarket might gather data of what each customer buys.

This book presents a thorough treatment of plasma physics, beginning at an introductory level and proceeding to an extensive discussion of its applications in thermonuclear fusion research. The physics of fusion plasmas is explained mainly in relation to recent progress in tokamak research, but other plasma confinement schemes, such as stellarators and inertial confinement, are also described. The unique and systematic presentation will help readers to understand the overall structure of plasma theory.

NMR has made important contributions to our understanding of structure& #150; property relationships in polymers. This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of NMR, with applications of multidimensional NMR and the new solution and solid-state methods in polymer science. < B> NMR of Polymers< /B> is written by leading authorities for graduate students and professionals in academia and industry.< br> < br> Key Features< br> * Provides comprehensive overview of NMR in Polymer Science< br> * Covers multidimensional NMR< br> * Includes new solution and solid state methods< br> * Addresses chain conformation and dynamics

The occurrence of fractional statistics has been discovered in more and more quantum field theory models, including some of the most geometrical and canonical ones. In a remarkable case, the fractional quantum statistics of quasiparticles in the fractional quantized Hall effect (FQHE) contributes to the understanding of states found there. Very recent work has indicated that similar possibilities arise for two-dimensional films in certain states of liquid 3He. Perhaps most exciting, although quite speculative at this moment, are recent attempts to apply fractional statistics to spin systems, and specifically to the behaviour of the 2-dimensional copper oxide layers that seem to be critical to the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity. It has recently been shown that fractional statistics automatically implies superconductivity of a qualitatively new kind. This collection of reprints with comprehensive commentary will serve as a valuable reference for those interested in the subject but have found it difficult to acquire basic knowledge, or a coherent view of the whole, due to the scattered literature available at present.

Several different models have recently been proposed to explain High Temperature Superconductivity. This book gives an authoritative and up-to-date review of two such proposals, namely the Hubbard and Anyon Models. This invaluable reference is a must for all physicists interested in the fast-paced revolutionary field of High Temperature Superconductivity.

This second edition of a successful and highly-accessed monograph has been extended by more than 100 pages. It includes an enlarged coverage of applications for materials characterization and analysis. Also a more detailed description of strategies for determining free energies of ion transfer between miscible liquids is provided. This is now possible with a "third-phase strategy" which the authors explain from theoretical and practical points of view. The book is still the only one detailing strategies for solid state electroanalysis. It also features the specific potential of the techniques to use immobilized particles (for studies of solid materials) and of immobilized droplets of immiscible liquids for the purpose of studying the three-phase electrochemistry of these liquids. This also includes studies of ion transfer between aqueous and immiscible non-aqueous liquids. The bibliography of all published papers in this field of research has been expanded from 318 to now 444 references in this second edition. Not only are pertinent references provided at the end of each chapter, but the complete list of the cited literature is also offered as a separate chapter for easy reference.

This course-tested textbook conveys the fundamentals of magnetic fields and relativistic plasma in diffuse cosmic media, with a primary focus on phenomena that have been observed at different wavelengths. Theoretical concepts are addressed wherever necessary, with derivations presented in sufficient detail to be generally accessible. In the first few chapters the authors present an introduction to various astrophysical phenomena related to cosmic magnetism, with scales ranging from molecular clouds in star-forming regions and supernova remnants in the Milky Way, to clusters of galaxies. Later chapters address the role of magnetic fields in the evolution of the interstellar medium, galaxies and galaxy clusters. The book is intended for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in astronomy and physics and will serve as an entry point for those starting their first research projects in the field.

Non-thermal (cold) plasmas at atmospheric pressure have recently found many breakthrough applications in biology, medicine, and food security. Plasmas can efficiently kill bacteria, yeasts, moulds, spores, biofilms and other hazardous microorganisms, including potential bio-terrorism agents. They can be employed for bio-decontamination and sterilization of surfaces, medical instruments, water, air, food, even of living tissues without causing their damage. Direct or indirect plasma interaction with living cells of microorganisms or even humans enables novel bio-medical applications, e.g. treatment of skin diseases and ulcers. Plasma-enhanced blood coagulation coupled with its antiseptic properties proved success in wound healing and opens new possibilities in surgery, emergency medicine and military applications. Plasma treatment allows cell manipulations, their removal and targeted transfer into the injured area, which can accelerate wound healing. Plasma induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) of tumor cells brings forth a great potential for cancer treatment. Besides, plasma enables painless treatment of dental caries, root canal disinfection, and other dentistry applications. This book is a selection of reviewed manuscripts issuing from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop Plasma for bio-decontamination, medicine and food security held in Jasna, Slovakia, on 15-18 March 2011. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and research activities focused at the plasma applications in areas such as bio-decontamination, water chemistry, effects on cells; biofilm inactivation, UV sterilization, and medicine, especially tissue treatment and wound healing, as well as dentistry and food security.

Mechanical Properties of Single Molecules and Polymer Aggregates Rudiger Berger, Kurt Binder, Gregor Diezemann, Jurgen Gauss, Mark Helm, Katharina Landfester, Wolfgang Paul (Halle), Peter Virnau. Optical Properties of Individual Molecular Aggregates and Nano Particles Thomas Basche, Hans-Jurgen Butt, Gregor Diezemann, Jurgen Gauss, Klaus Mullen, Harald Paulsen, Carsten Sonnichsen, Rudolf Zentel. Structure Formation of Polymeric Building Blocks I: Self-assembly of Copolymers Kurt Binder, Holger Frey, Andreas Kilbinger (Univ. Fribourg), Ute Kolb, Michael Maskos (IMM Mainz), Wolfgang Paul (Univ. Halle), Hans Wolfgang Spiess. Structure Formation of Polymeric Building Blocks II: Complex Polymer Architectures Kurt Binder, Hans Jurgen Butt, Angelika Kuhnle, Klaus Mullen, Wolfgang Paul (Univ. Halle), Erwin Schmidt, Manfred Schmidt, Hans Wolfgang Spiess, Thomas Vilgis. Structure Formation of Polymeric Building Blocks III: Polymer Complexes in Biological Applications Kurt Kremer, Heiko Luhmann, Christine Peter, Friederike Schmid, Erwin Schmidt, Manfred Schmidt, Eva Sinner (Univ. of Natural Resources, Vienna), Tanja Weil (Univ. Ulm)."

Modern industry imposes ever increasing requirements upon tools and tool materials as to the provision for performance under the conditions of high cutting speeds and dynamic loads as well as under intensive thermal and chemical interactions with workpiece materials. The industry demands a higher productivity in combination with the accuracy of geometry and dimensions of workpieces and quality of working surfaces of the machined pieces. These requirements are best met by the tool superhard materials (diamond and diamond-like cubic boron nitride). Ceramics based on silicon carbide, aluminum and boron oxides as well as on titanium, silicon and aluminum nitrides offer promise as tool materials. Tungsten-containing cemented carbides are still considered as suitable tool materials. Hi- hardness and high strength composites based on the above materials fit all the requirements imposed by machining jobs when manufacturing elements of machinery, in particular those operating under the extreme conditions of high temperatures and loads. These elements are produced of difficult-- machine high-alloy steels, nickel refractory alloys, high-tech ceramics, materials with metallic and non-metallic coatings having improved wear resistance, as well as of special polymeric and glass-ceramic materials. Materials science at high pressure deals with the use of high-pressure techniques for the development and production of unique materials whose preparation at ambient pressure is impossible (e. g. , diamond, cubic boron nitride, etc. ) or of materials with properties exceeding those of materials produced at ambient pressure (e. g. , high-temperature superconductors).

Celebrating Volume 100: Thirty years ago Springer-Verlag together with a distinguished Board of Editors started the series "Structure and Bonding." Initially the series was set up to publish reviews from different fields of modern inorganic chemistry, chemical physics and biochemistry, where the general subject of chemical bonding involves a metal and a small number of associated atoms. Three years ago the aims of the series was refined to span the entire periodic table and address structure and bonding issues wherever they may be relevant. Not only the traditional areas of chemical bonding will be dealt with but also nanostructres, molecular electronics, supramolecular structure, surfaces and clusters. With these aims in mind it is noteworthy that Volume 100 effectively reinforces and illustrates these ideals and is titled "Pi-Electron Magnetism" "from Molecules to Magnetic Materials."

This book introduces the concepts and methodologies related to the modelling of the complex phenomena occurring in materials processing. After a short reminder of conservation laws and constitutive relationships, the authors introduce the main numerical methods: finite differences, finite volumes and finite elements. These techniques are developed in three main chapters of the book that tackle more specific problems: phase transformation, solid mechanics and fluid flow. The two last chapters treat inverse methods to obtain the boundary conditions or the material properties and stochastic methods for microstructural simulation. This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and physics and for engineering professionals or researchers who want to get acquainted with numerical simulation to model and compute materials processing.

Laser-enabled measurements are valuable tools for the investigation of surfaces and interfaces or for the in situ investigation of interfacial processes including electrode processes. The understanding of the thermodynamics of solid/liquid surfaces is important for surface science and electrochemistry. In the first part of this book, the authors describe a range of techniques for investigating interfacial tension and surface stress, which is important for coatings, thin films, and fuel cells. The techniques covered comprise bending beam (bending plate, bending cantilever, wafer curvature) methods with different detection techniques. Special attention is given to methods using optical detection by laser beam deflection or interferometry. The second part is devoted to the techniques based on the detection of refractive index gradients in the solution. The refractive index changes could be related to concentration gradients (Probe Beam Deflection, PBD) or light-induced thermal gradients (Photothermal Deflection Spectroscopy, PDS). The application of the techniques to surface-confined and solution electrochemical systems is described. Subsequently, a comparison with others techniques able to monitor ion fluxes is performed.

Several different models have recently been proposed to explain High Temperature Superconductivity. This book gives an authoritative and up-to-date review of two such proposals, namely the Hubbard and Anyon Models. This invaluable reference is a must for all physicists interested in the fast-paced revolutionary field of High Temperature Superconductivity.

Semiconducting and Insulating Crystals details how absorption spectroscopy provides information on the nature, concentration, charge state and configuration of impurities in crystals and also on their kinetics and transformations under annealing. After an introduction of the bulk optical properties of semiconductors and insulators and of impurities in crystals, this book presents the physical bases necessary for the understanding of impurity spectra. The description of various set-ups and accessories used in absorption spectroscopy is followed by a presentation of experimental results on specific impurities and classes of impurities and their relation with those obtained by various computation and by other experimental techniques.

An assessment of the recent achievements and relative strengths of two developing techniques for characterising surfaces at the nanometer scale: (i) local probe methods, including scanning tunnelling microscopy and its derivatives; and (ii) nanoscale photoemission and absorption spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The keynote lectures were delivered by some of the world's best scientists in the field and some of the topics covered include: (1) The possible application of STM in atomically resolved chemical analysis. (2) The principles of scanning force/friction and scanning near-field optical microscopes. (3) The scanning photoemission electron microscopes built at ELETTRA and SRRC, with a description of synchrotron radiation microscopy. (4) Recent progress in the development of spatially-resolved photoelectron microscopy, especially the use of zone plate photon optics. (5) The present status of non-scanning photoemission microscopy with slow electrons. (6) the BESSY 2 project for a non-scanning photoelectron microscope with electron optics. (7) Spatially-resolved in situ reaction studies of chemical waves and oscillatory phenomena with the UV photoemission microscope.

One of the main goals of investigations of shock-wave phenomena in condensed matter is to develop methods for predicting effects of explosions, high-velocity collisions, and other kinds of intense dynamic loading of materials and structures. Based on the results of international research conducted over the past 30 years, this book is addressed not only to experts in shock-wave physics, but also to interested representatives from adjacent fields of activity and to students who seek an introduction to the current issues.

The dielectric microstructures act as ultrahigh Q factors optical cavities, which modify the spontaneous emission rates and alter the spatial distributions of the input and output radiation. The editors have selected leading scientists who have made seminal contributions in different aspects of optical processes in microcavities. Every attempt has been made to unify the underlying physics pertaining to microcavities of various shapes. This book begins with a chapter on the role of microcavity modes with additional chapters on how these microcavity modes affect the spontaneous and stimulated emission rates, enhance nonlinear optical processes, used in cavity-QED and chemical physics experiments, aid in single-molecule detection, influence the design of microdisk semiconductor lasers, and how deformed cavities can be treated with classical chaos theory.