The book describes first the principle photon generation processes from nuclear reactions, electron motion and from discrete quantum transitions. It then focuses on the use of photons in various selected fields of modern natural and life sciences. It bridges disciplines such as physics, chemistry, earth- and materials science, proteomics, information technology, photoelectrochemistry, photosynthesis and spintronics. Advanced light sources and their use in natural and life sciences are emphasized and the effects related to the quantum nature of photons (quantum computing, teleportation) are described. The content encompasses among many other examples the role of photons on the origin of life and on homochirality in biology, femtosecond laser slicing, photothermal cancer therapy, the use of gamma rays in materials science, photoelectrochemical surface conditioning, quantum information aspects and photo-spintronics. The book is written for scientists and graduate students from all related disciplines who are interested in the science beyond their immediate research field. It is meant to encourage interdisciplinary research and development in an age where nanoscience results in a convergence of formerly more disparate science.

The book describes first the principle photon generation processes from nuclear reactions, electron motion and from discrete quantum transitions. It then focuses on the use of photons in various selected fields of modern natural and life sciences. It bridges disciplines such as physics, chemistry, earth- and materials science, proteomics, information technology, photoelectrochemistry, photosynthesis and spintronics. Advanced light sources and their use in natural and life sciences are emphasized and the effects related to the quantum nature of photons (quantum computing, teleportation) are described. The content encompasses among many other examples the role of photons on the origin of life and on homochirality in biology, femtosecond laser slicing, photothermal cancer therapy, the use of gamma rays in materials science, photoelectrochemical surface conditioning, quantum information aspects and photo-spintronics. The book is written for scientists and graduate students from all related disciplines who are interested in the science beyond their immediate research field. It is meant to encourage interdisciplinary research and development in an age where nanoscience results in a convergence of formerly more disparate science.

With the rapid worldwide increase of interest and excitement about the promise of artificial photosynthesis for renewable fuels, the research community is beginning to focus on the challenges of integrating the various components into complete, unassisted solar fuel generators. Integrated Solar Fuel Generators discusses the scientific and engineering efforts addressing the challenges of building complete integrated artificial photosystems that will form the basis for developing a solar fuels technology. Building on recent substantial progress towards efficient semiconductor light absorbers and robust, earth abundant heterogeneous catalysts for water oxidation and proton reduction by the community, the integration of these components into efficient durable generators suitable for scale-up moves into focus. To succeed, a broad range of materials, processing, and design issues need to be addressed to meet efficiency, stability and scalability requirements. This book describes the critical areas of research and development towards viable integrated solar fuels systems, the current state of the art of these efforts and outlines future research needs that will accelerate progress towards a deployable technology.

There has been a resurgence of interest in light-induced water splitting as the search for storable carbon neutral energy becomes more urgent. Although the history of the basic idea dates back more than four decades, efficient, economical and stable integrated devices have yet to be realized. In the continuing quest for such devices, the field of photoelectrochemistry is entering a new phase where the extraordinary interdisciplinary of the research and development efforts are opening new avenues. This aspect of current research effort is reflected in the chapters of this book, which encompass present thinking in the various disciplines such as materials science, photo-electrochemistry and interfaces that can contribute to realization of viable solar fuel generators. This book presents a blend of the background science and recent advances in the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting, and includes aspects that point towards medium to long term future realization. The content of the book goes beyond the more traditional approaches to the subject by including topics such as novel excitation energy processes that have only been realized so far in advanced photonics. The comprehensive overview of current activities and development horizons provided by the impressive collection of internationally renowned authors therefore represents a unique reflection of current thinking regarding water splitting by light.