Spectroscopy can be defined as the study of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, during which absorption, emission, or scattering of radiation may take place. The structure and chemical properties of a system can easily be understood and studied with the help of atomic and molecular spectroscopic techniques because there exists a fundamental relationship between the properties of a substance and the interaction of radiation with that substance. The importance of spectroscopy in the physical and chemical processes going on in planets, stars, and comets as well as in the interstellar medium has been continuously growing as a result of the use of satellites and the development of radiotelescopes for the microwave and millimeter wave regions. This book on spectroscopy gives a wealth of information that may be derived from spectra.

Nanocomposites are composite materials that have dimensions less than 100 nm in at least one of their phases, offering a higher surface-to-volume ratio. They are high-performance materials, exhibit unusual properties, and are considered as materials of the 21st century. In this book, experts from the field discuss the basic concepts, synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of nanocomposites. The book is helpful for researchers, professional engineers, students, and those associated with a variety of disciplines of both academia and industry in seeking an understanding of what has been recently done in the field and the challenges related to it.