Book Description

This book assesses the capabilities of state-of-the-art optical techniques in elucidating the fundamental electronic and structural properties of semiconductor and metal surfaces, interfaces, thin layers, and layer structures. It also examines the usefulness of these techniques for optimization of high quality multilayer samples through feedback control during materials growth and processing. Emphasis is given to dynamical processes through the use of pump–probe techniques, together with the search for new optical sources. Some new applications of scanning probe microscopy to materials science and biological samples (dried and in vivo) with the use of different laser sources are also presented. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive discussion of the key role of modern spectroscopic investigations in interdisciplinary materials science and engineering, covering emerging materials that are either absolutely novel or well-known materials with recently discovered, exciting properties.The types of spectroscopy discussed include optical, electronic and magnetic, UV-Visible absorption, Rayleigh scattering, photoluminescence, vibrational, magnetic resonance, electron energy loss, EXAFS, XANES, optical tomography, time-resolved spectroscopy, and point contact spectroscopy. The materials studied are highly topical, with a focus on carbon and silicon nanomaterials including nanotubes, fullerenes, nanoclusters, metallic superconducting phases, molecular materials, magnetic and charge-stripe oxides, and biomaterials.Theoretical treatments are presented of molecular vibrational dynamics, vibration-induced decay of electronic excited states, nanoscale spin-orbit coupling in 2D Si-based structures, and the growth of semiconductor clusters. ... Read more

Book Description

Nanometer scale physics is progressing rapidly: the top-downapproach of semiconductor technology will soon encounter the scale ofthe bottom-up approaches of supramolecular chemistry and spatiallylocalized excitations in ionic crystals. Advances in this area havealready led to applications in optoelectronics. More may be expected.This book deals with the role of structure confinement in thespectroscopic characteristics of physical systems. It examines thefabrication, measurement and understanding of the relevant structures.It reports progress in the theory and in experimental techniques,starting with the consideration of fundamental principles and leadingto the frontiers of research. The subjects dealt with include suchspatially resolved structures as quantum wells, quantum wires, quantumdots, and luminescence, in both theoretical and practical terms. ... Read more

Book Description

The book contains the highlights from the first full-scale Meeting of the GAIA Photometry Working Group. It brings up-to-date information on the current status in the development of the ESA's astrometric space mission GAIA, emphasizing on the design and optimization of the GAIA's photometric instrument. Also covered are selected topics dealing with the strategies for the evaluation of the photometric systems, photometric classification procedure, the application of the photometric systems for studying Galactic structure and evolution with GAIA. The book will be especially interesting for researchers involved in the astronomical photometry, as well as for a more general audience interested in the astrophysical applications of the space astrometry and photometry. ... Read more

Book Description

Magnetic resonance techniques are especially interesting in the study of colloids and interfaces due to their unique ability to elucidate structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and molecular level. This book illustrates the most up to date applications of innovative NMR and EPR techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging and microscopy, to gas-solid and liquid-solid interfaces, organic and biological surfaces, microemulsions, liquid crystals, membranes, structure and dynamics of polymers and micellar systems, and diffusion in heterogeneous systems.A compendium of advanced NMR and EPR techniques and a state of the art description of the power of advanced new methodologies for the study of molecular dynamics and interfaces. ... Read more

Book Description

The book focuses on the following topics: Evolution of optical spectra from excitonic peaks to the Fermi-edge singularity; negatively and positively charged excitons; reconstructing one-particle and collective excitation spectra with increasing electron density; spatial inhomogeneity and carrier interaction in nanostructures; spin-sensitive interaction and spin-spin interaction in confined systems; many-particle effects in semimagnetic semiconductor heterostructures. Optical methods described include: photoluminescence spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; reflectivity; near-field spectroscopy; magneto-optics in magnetic fields up to 50 T; pico- and femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy; polarized light spectroscopy; optically detected resonance spectroscopy under far-IR and microwave radiation. ... Read more

Book Description

Here, readers are introduced to the current experimental techniques of laser spectroscopy of van der Waals complexes produced in supersonic beams. The book is unique in its style, subject and scope, and provides information on recent research not only for researchers focusing on molecular spectroscopy but also for those interested in the cooling of atoms and molecules. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive characterization of the metal(Me)-rare gas(RG) and Me2 diatoms, using an example of the 12-group and rare gas atoms, respectively.
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Book Description

Modern Polymer Spectroscopy provides a 'guided tour' to the state of the art in polymer analysis by vibrational spectroscopy. Five renowned experts describe new experimental and theoretical techniques. Areas of focus include:
- two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
- segmental mobility of liquid crystalline polymers under external fields
- dynamics and structure of polymers with chemical and structural disorder
- spectra of polyconjugated conducting polymers
- theoretical calculations on biopolymers.
Readers learn experimental techniques and theoretical tools essential for obtaining more valuable information from their vibrational spectra, in order too solve problems that would otherwise be impossible.
An essential reference for all professionals who need to keep abreast at the latest developments in the field, graduate students in polymer science, material science and the biosciences using spectroscopic techniques will profit from the wealth of information provided in this state-of-the-art guide. ... Read more

Book Description

Optical instruments are routinely employed to obtain a wealth of information about the atmosphere, including its composition, temperature, and winds. A bewildering variety of optical instruments have been proposed over the years, making it difficult to decide which instrument should be chosen to make a specific measurement. Spectral Imaging of the Atmosphere traces the historical development of both spectral and imaging methods and places them in a unified framework relevant to observations of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere. The underlying concepts of various measurement methodologies are presented and paired with appropriate applications. A selection of specific spectral imaging instruments, appropriate to illustrate each conceptual type, is described in detail.

Shepherd's work provides both scientists and engineers with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts they need to know in order to plan a program of atmospheric measurements. Expected future methods and developments are also presented. Problems designed to test and enhance the reader's understanding of the material are included in each chapter. ... Read more

Book Description

This book covers linear and nonlinear optics as well as optical spectroscopy at solid surfaces and at interfaces between a solid and a liquid or gas.
The authors give a concise introduction to the physics of surfaces and interfaces. They discuss in detail physical properties of solid surfaces and of their interfaces to liquids and gases and provide the theoretical background for understanding various optical techniques.
The major part of the book is dedicated to a broad review on optical techniques and topical applications such as infrared and optical spectroscopy or optical microscopy. Discussions of nonlinear optics, but also nano-optics and local spectroscopy complement this self-contained work.
Helpful features include about 50 problems with solutions, a glossary and a thoroughly elaborated list of topical references.
The book is suited as a text for graduate students but also for scientists working in physics, chemistry, materials or life sciences who look for an expert introduction to surface optical aspects of their studies.
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