In an attempt to meet the demand for new ultra-high strength materials, the processing of novel material configurations with unique microstructure is being explored in systems which are further and further from equilibrium. One such class of emerging materials is the so-called nanophased or nanostructured materials. This class of materials includes metals and alloys, ceramics, and polymers characterized by controlled ultra-fine microstructural features in the form oflayered, fibrous, or phase and grain distribution. While it is clear that these materials are in an early stage of development, there is now a sufficient body of literature to fuel discussion of how the mechanical properties and deformation behavior can be controlled through control of the microstructure. This NATO-Advanced Study Institute was convened in order to assess our current state of knowledge in the field of mechanical properties and deformation behavior in materials with ultra fine microstructure, to identify opportunities and needs for further research, and to identify the potential for technological applications. The Institute was the first international scientific meeting devoted to a discussion on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of materials having grain sizes down to a few nanometers. Included in these discussions were the topics of superplasticity, tribology, and the supermodulus effect. Lectures were also presented which covered a variety of other themes including synthesis, characterization, thermodynamic stability, and general physical properties."

The Handbook of Modern Ion Beam Materials Analysis, 2nd Edition is a compilation of updated techniques and data for use in the ion-beam analysis of materials. The information presented is unavailable collectively from any other source, and places a strong emphasis on practical examples of the analysis techniques as they are applied to common problems. Revised and updated from the popular handbook previously released in 1995, this edition is written and compiled by over 30 leading authorities in the field of ion beam analysis. It provides an excellent introduction to the fundamentals and lab practices of ion beam analysis and is also useful as a teaching text for undergraduate senior or first-year graduate students This text is a comprehensive collection of nuclear and atomic data for the applications of ion beam materials analysis. In addition, the DVD includes bonus info - both the Ion Beam Analysis Nuclear Data Library (IBANDL) and GUPIX Subroutines (CSA and YLS) for X-ray Database.