Mesoscopic Physics of Complex Materials


Book Description

A cross-disciplinary study of the physical properties of complex fluids, solids, and interfaces as a function of their mesoscopic structures, with empasis on nonequilibrium phenomena. The book introduces readers to the methods of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics as applied to complex materials, but always connects theories with experiments. It shows the underlying connections between topics as diverse as critical phenomena in colloidal dynamics, glassy state relaxation and deformation, reinforced polymer composites, molecular level mixing in nanocomposites, and rough surfaces and interfaces. At the same time, each chapter is designed to be independent from the others so that the book can serve as a reference work as well as a text. It is not designed to review all the recent work in mesoscopic physics, which spans many disciplines, but rather attempts to establish a general framework for understanding and developing new materials that can not be designed by the trial and error methods. A familiarity with the basics of statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics is assumed.




Directions In Condensed Matter Physics: Memorial Volume In Honor Of Shang-keng Ma


Book Description

This volume collects several in-depth articles giving lucid discussions on new developments in statistical and condensed matter physics. Many, though not all, contributors had been in touch with the late S-K Ma. Written by some of the world's experts and originators of new ideas in the field, this book is a must for all researchers in theoretical physics. Most of the articles should be accessible to diligent graduate students and experienced readers will gain from the wealth of materials contained herein.




Mesoscopic Physics of Electrons and Photons


Book Description

Quantum mesoscopic physics covers a whole class in interference effects related to the propagation of waves in complex and random media. These effects are ubiquitous in physics, from the behaviour of electrons in metals and semiconductors to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in suspensions such as colloids, and quantum systems like cold atomic gases. A solid introduction to quantum mesoscopic physics, this book is a modern account of the problem of coherent wave propagation in random media. It provides a unified account of the basic theoretical tools and methods, highlighting the common aspects of the various optical and electronic phenomena involved and presenting a large number of experimental results. With over 200 figures, and exercises throughout, the book was originally published in 2007 and is ideal for graduate students in physics, electrical engineering, applied physics, acoustics and astrophysics. It will also be an interesting reference for researchers.




Mesoscopic Physics and Electronics


Book Description

Semiconductor technology has developed considerably during the past several decades. The exponential growth in microelectronic processing power has been achieved by a constant scaling down of integrated cir,cuits. Smaller fea ture sizes result in increased functional density, faster speed, and lower costs. One key ingredient of the LSI technology is the development of the lithog raphy and microfabrication. The current minimum feature size is already as small as 0.2 /tm, beyond the limit imposed by the wavelength of visible light and rapidly approaching fundamental limits. The next generation of devices is highly likely to show unexpected properties due to quantum effects and fluctuations. The device which plays an important role in LSIs is MOSFETs (metal oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors). In MOSFETs an inversion layer is formed at the interface of silicon and its insulating oxide. The inversion layer provides a unique two-dimensional (2D) system in which the electron concentration is controlled almost freely over a very wide range. Physics of such 2D systems was born in the mid-1960s together with the development of MOSFETs. The integer quantum Hall effect was first discovered in this system.




Quantum Transport in Mesoscopic Systems


Book Description

Mesoscopic physics deals with systems larger than single atoms but small enough to retain their quantum properties. The possibility to create and manipulate conductors of the nanometer scale has given birth to a set of phenomena that have revolutionized physics: quantum Hall effects, persistent currents, weak localization, Coulomb blockade, etc. This Special Issue tackles the latest developments in the field. Contributors discuss time-dependent transport, quantum pumping, nanoscale heat engines and motors, molecular junctions, electron–electron correlations in confined systems, quantum thermo-electrics and current fluctuations. The works included herein represent an up-to-date account of exciting research with a broad impact in both fundamental and applied topics.




Nonlinear Mesoscopic Elasticity


Book Description

This handbook brings together a great deal of new data on the static and dynamic elastic properties of granular and other composite material. The authors are at the very center of today's research and present new and imported theoretical tools that have enabled our current understanding of the complex behavior of rocks. There are three central themes running throughout the presentation: · Rocks as the prototypical material for defining a class of materials · The PM space model as a useful theoretical construct for developing a phenomenology · A sequence of refined analysis methods. This suite of new methods for both recording and analyzing data is more than a single framework for interpretation, it is also a toolbox for the experimenter. A comprehensive and systematic book of utmost interest to anybody involved in non-destructive testing, civil engineering, and geophysics.




Mesoscopic Phenomena in Multifunctional Materials


Book Description

A highly coveted objective of modern materials science is to optimize multiple coupled functionalities in the same single phase material and control the cross-response via multiple external fields. One important example of such multi-functionality are multiferroic materials where two or more ferroic properties are intrinsically coupled. They include, among others, the magneto-electric and magneto-structural materials, which are well understood at the nano- and continuum length (and time) scales. The next emerging frontier is to connect these two limiting scales by probing the mesoscale physics of these materials. This book not only attempts to provide this connection but also presents the state-of-the art of the present understanding and potential applications of many related complex multifunctional materials. The main emphasis is on the multiscale bridging of their properties with the aim to discover novel properties and applications in the context of materials by design. This interdisciplinary book serves both graduate students and expert researchers alike.




Quantum Transport in Mesoscopic Systems


Book Description

This text presents the statistical theory of wave scattering and quantum transport in complex - chaotic and disordered - systems.




Nonlinear Mesoscopic Elasticity


Book Description

This handbook brings together a great deal of new data on the static and dynamic elastic properties of granular and other composite material. The authors are at the very center of today's research and present new and imported theoretical tools that have enabled our current understanding of the complex behavior of rocks. There are three central themes running throughout the presentation: · Rocks as the prototypical material for defining a class of materials · The PM space model as a useful theoretical construct for developing a phenomenology · A sequence of refined analysis methods. This suite of new methods for both recording and analyzing data is more than a single framework for interpretation, it is also a toolbox for the experimenter. A comprehensive and systematic book of utmost interest to anybody involved in non-destructive testing, civil engineering, and geophysics.




Mesoscopic Thermodynamics for Scientists and Engineers


Book Description

Provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of mesoscopic thermodynamics Mesoscopic Thermodynamics for Scientists and Engineers presents a unified conceptual approach to the core principles of equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Emphasizing the concept of universality at the mesoscale, this authoritative textbook provides the knowledge required for understanding and utilizing mesoscopic phenomena in a wide range of new and emerging technologies. Divided into two parts, Mesoscopic Thermodynamics for Scientists and Engineers opens with a concise summary of classical thermodynamics and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, followed by a detailed description of fluctuations and local (spatially-dependent) properties. Part II presents a universal approach to specific meso-heterogeneous systems, illustrated by numerous examples from experimental and computational studies that align with contemporary research and engineering practice. Bridges the gap between conventional courses in thermodynamics and real-world practice Provides in-depth instruction on applying thermodynamics to current problems involving meso- and nano-heterogeneous systems Contains a wealth of examples of simple and complex fluids, polymers, liquid crystals, and supramolecular equilibrium and dissipative structures Includes practical exercises and references to textbooks, monographs, and journal articles in each chapter Mesoscopic Thermodynamics for Scientists and Engineers is an excellent textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, chemistry, and chemical, mechanical, and materials science engineering, as well as an invaluable reference for engineers and researchers engaged in soft-condensed matter physics and chemistry, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and mechanical, chemical, and biomolecular engineering.