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.

The development of oriented organic monomolecular layers by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly (SA) techniques has led researchers toward their goal of assembling individual molecules into highly ordered architectures. Thus the continually growing contribution of LB and SA systems to the chemistry and physics of thin organic films is widely recognized. Equally well-known is the difficulty in keeping up to date with the burgeoning multidisciplinary research in this area. Dr. Ulman provides a massive survey of the available literature. The book begins with a section on analytical tools to broaden the understanding of the structure and properties of monolayers and films. Following sections discuss LB films, the preparation and properties of SA monolayers and films, the modeling of LB and SA monolayers, and the application of LB and SA films.

Physics of Thin Films is one of the longest running continuing series in thin film science, consisting of 25 volumes since 1963. The series contains quality studies of the properties of various thin films 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.

In 1979 Ido, Albert and Yehuda meet for the first time at the Ravinia Music Festival, home to the Chicago Symphony. While waiting for the concert to begin, Yehuda recounts to his new friends the history of his recent disheartening professional sojourn in Israel. Over the next thirty years, the life cycles of these three Israeli families intersect and interweave in surprising, unexpected, and poignant ways. Albert and Ido also unsuccessfully have attempted to return to Israel. Albert discovers that he has a son from an incidental encounter in the past, a son, who in turn falls in love with and marries Ido's daughter. Like many Israelis who live in the States, the three men continue to read Israeli newspapers on a daily basis, often vociferously responding to editorials which offend their sensibilities. They passionately argue about politics and religion just as they did long years ago on Friday nights in Israel. The peace process, the so-called "territories," the "right," the "left," Judaism, the ultra-Orthodox, and the education of Israeli children in the US, are among the topics which are frequently discussed. In 2008 their life journeys merge yet again when the families meet once more at Ravinia, now profoundly aware of the role which the music festival has played in linking their destinies.