Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Proceedings of the INFN-LNF 2018 Conference


Book Description

The results presented in this volume highlight some of the most recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology studies, from both the physical and chemical point of view, with an eye also to possible engineering applications. These studies demonstrate directly how effective, and at the same time stimulating is implementing the “cross-fertilization” procedure. Indeed, multidisciplinary research allows one to catch more easily the analogies inherent different areas of science, as well as to take advantage and optimize different methods and techniques, often borrowed from other research areas. In the present Special Issue, we included six published papers. The latter contributions, on the one hand, are developed at the theory level and, on the other hand, show experimental results on the realization and experimental characterization of nanostructured systems, suitable for yielding progress towards the realization of systems and devices, that can ultimately lead to industrial applications. The results show that recent scientific research advances in these areas may provide important steps in the direction of fostering innovation and technological development.




Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Proceedings of the INFN-LNF 2018 Conference


Book Description

The results presented in this volume highlight some of the most recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology studies, from both the physical and chemical point of view, with an eye also to possible engineering applications. These studies demonstrate directly how effective, and at the same time stimulating is implementing the “cross-fertilization” procedure. Indeed, multidisciplinary research allows one to catch more easily the analogies inherent different areas of science, as well as to take advantage and optimize different methods and techniques, often borrowed from other research areas.In the present Special Issue, we included six published papers. The latter contributions, on the one hand, are developed at the theory level and, on the other hand, show experimental results on the realization and experimental characterization of nanostructured systems, suitable for yielding progress towards the realization of systems and devices, that can ultimately lead to industrial applications. The results show that recent scientific research advances in these areas may provide important steps in the direction of fostering innovation and technological development.




Self-Assembly of Nanostructures


Book Description

This is the third volume in a series of books on selected topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology based on lectures given at the well-known Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) schools of the same name. The present set of notes stems in particular from the participation and dedication of prestigious lecturers, such as Nunzio Motta, Fulvia Patella, Alexandr Toropov, and Anna Sgarlata. All lectures have been carefully edited and reworked, taking into account extensive follow-up discussions. A tutorial lecture by Motta et al. presents the analysis of the Poly(3-hexylthiophene) self assembly on carbon nanotubes and discusses how the interaction between the two materials forms a new hybrid nanostructure, with potential application to future solar cells technology. In their contribution, Patella et al. review quantum dots of III-V compounds, which offer appealing perspectives for more sophisticated applications in new generation devices such as single-photon emitters for nano-photonics and quantum computing. Focusing on self-assembled quantum dots, the chapter by Alexandr Toropov et al. provides a comprehensive review of some important aspects in the formation of quantum dots and presents the results of the authors’ extensive investigation of the features of droplet epitaxy. The fourth contribution, by Sgarlata et al., focuses on recent progress toward controlled growth of self-assembled nanostructures, dealing with the shaping, ordering and localization in Ge/Si heteroepitaxy and reviewing recent results on the self-organization of Ge nanostructures at Si surfaces.




Nanostructured Materials for the Detection of CBRN


Book Description

This book includes topics in nanophysics, nanotechnology, nanomaterials, sensors, biosensors, security systems, and CBRN agents detection. There have been many significant advances in the past two years and some entirely new directions of research are just opening up. Recent developments in nanotechnology and measurement techniques now allow experimental investigation of the physical properties of nanostructured materials. The book presents new methods for the detection of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents using chemical and biochemical sensors. Identification, protection and decontamination are the main scientific and technological responses for the modern challenges of CBRN agents.




Applications of Superconductivity


Book Description

This book, in essence the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute with the same title, is designed to provide in-depth coverage of many, but not all, of the major current applications of superconductivity, and of many that still are being developed. It will be of value to scientists and engineers who have interests in the research and production aspects of the technology, as well as in the applications themselves. The ftrst three chapters (by Clarke, Vrba and Wikswo) are devoted to an understanding of the principles, fabrication and uses of SQUID magnetometers and gradiometers, with the greatest emphasis on biomagnetism and nondestructive evaluation (NDE). For the most part, traditional low-temperature superconductor (LTS) SQUIDs are used, but particularly for NDE, high-temperature superconductor (HTS) SQUIDs are proving useful and often more convenient. The succeeding three chapters (by Przybysz, Likharev and Chaloupka) cover broader aspects of superconducting electronics. The ftrst two of these deal primarily with digital L TS circuits, while the third discusses in great detail passive component applications using HTS materials. Currently, HTS ftlters are undergoing intense J3-site testing at cellular telephone base stations. While it is clear that HTS ftlters outperform conventional ftlters in reducing signal loss and allowing for more channels in a given bandwidth, it isn't yet certain that the cellular telephone industry sees sufficient economic beneftts to make a ftrm decision to use HTS ftlters universally in its systems. If this application is generally adapted, the market for these ftlters should be quite large.




Activated Carbon for Water and Wastewater Treatment


Book Description

This monograph provides comprehensive coverage of technologies which integrate adsorption and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment. The authors provide both an introduction to the topic as well as a detailed discussion of theoretical and practical considerations. After a review of the basics involved in the chemistry, biology and technology of integrated adsorption and biological removal, they discuss the setup of pilot- and full-scale treatment facilities, covering powdered as well as granular activated carbon. They elucidate the factors that influence the successful operation of integrated systems. Their discussion on integrated systems expands from the effects of environmental to the removal of various pollutants, to regeneration of activated carbon, and to the analysis of such systems in mathematical terms. The authors conclude with a look at future needs for research and develoment. A truly valuable resource for environmental engineers, environmental and water chemists, as well as professionals working in water and wastewater treatment.




Optical Properties of Bismuth-Based Topological Insulators


Book Description

Topological Insulators (TIs) are insulators in the bulk, but have exotic metallic states at their surfaces. The topology, associated with the electronic wavefunctions of these systems, changes when passing from the bulk to the surface. This work studies, by means of infrared spectroscopy, the low energy optical conductivity of Bismuth based TIs in order to identify the extrinsic charge contribution of the bulk and to separate it from the intrinsic contribution of the surface state carriers. The extensive results presented in this thesis definitely shows the 2D character of the carriers in Bismuth-based topological insulators. The experimental apparatus and the FTIR technique, the theory of optical properties and Surface Plasmon Polaritons, as well as sample preparation of both crystals and thin films, and the analysis procedures are thoroughly described.




Transmission Lines and Lumped Circuits


Book Description

The theory of transmission lines is a classical topic of electrical engineering. Recently this topic has received renewed attention and has been a focus of considerable research. This is because the transmisson line theory has found new and important applications in the area of high-speed VLSI interconnects, while it has retained its significance in the area of power transmission. In many applications, transmission lines are connected to nonlinear circuits. For instance, interconnects of high-speed VLSI chips can be modelled as transmission lines loaded with nonlinear elements. These nonlinearities may lead to many new effects such as instability, chaos, generation of higher order harmonics, etc. The mathematical models of transmission lines with nonlinear loads consist of the linear partial differential equations describing the current and voltage dynamics along the lines together with the nonlinear boundary conditions imposed by the nonlinear loads connected to the lines. These nonlinear boundary conditions make the mathematical treatment very difficult. For this reason, the analysis of transmission lines with nonlinear loads has not been addressed adequately in the existing literature. The unique and distinct feature of the proposed book is that it will present systematic, comprehensive, and in-depth analysis of transmission lines with nonlinear loads. - A unified approach for the analysis of networks composed of distributed and lumped circuits - A simple, concise and completely general way to present the wave propagation on transmission lines, including a thorough study of the line equations in characteristic form - Frequency and time domain multiport representations of any linear transmission line - A detailed analysis of the influence on the line characterization of the frequency and space dependence of the line parameters - A rigorous study of the properties of the analytical and numerical solutions of the network equations - The associated discrete circuits and the associated resisitive circuits of transmission lines - Periodic solutions, bifurcations and chaos in transmission lines connected to noninear lumped circuits




Handbook of Carbon, Graphite, Diamonds and Fullerenes


Book Description

This book is a review of the science and technology of the element carbon and its allotropes: graphite, diamond and the fullerenes. This field has expanded greatly in the last three decades stimulated by many major discoveries such as carbon fibers, low-pressure diamond, and the fullerenes. The need for such a book has been felt for some time. These carbon materials are very different in structure and properties. Some are very old (charcoal), others brand new (the fullerenes). They have different applications and markets and are produced by different segments of the industry.Few studies are available that attempt to review the entire field of carbon as a whole discipline. Moreover these studies were written several decades ago and a generally outdated since the development of the technology is moving very rapidly and scope of applications is constantly expanding and reaching into new fields such as aerospace, automotive, semiconductors, optics, and electronics. In this book the author provides a valuable, up-to-date account of both the newer and traditional forms of carbon, both naturally occurring and man-made. This volume will be a valuable resource for both specialists in, and occasional users of carbon materials.




Nonregular Nanosystems


Book Description

This book presents a systemic view of nanophenomena in terms of disordered condensed media with characteristics arising at various hierarchical levels from nanoagents/nanoparticles through multiple technological interfaces to the creation of micro- or mesostructures with essential nanodimensional effects. These properties can be seen in various schemes for the functionalization of nanocarbon systems, namely, CNTs, GNRs, GNFs, carbon-based nanoaerogels, nanofoams, and so on, where nonregularities characterize surface nanointeractions and various nanointerconnects, resulting in both predictable and unpredictable effects. Beginning with nanosensing and finishing with other forms of functionalized nanomaterials, these effects will define the prospective qualities of future consumer nanoproducts and nanodevices. This book covers all aspects of nonregular nanosystems arising from the fundamental properties of disordered nanosized media, from electronic structure, surface nanophysics, and allotropic forms of carbon such as graphene and fullerenes including defect characterization, to spintronics and 3D device principles. Nonregular Nanosystems will be of interest to students and specialists in various fields of nanotechnology and nanoscience, experts on surface nanophysics and nanochemistry, as well as managers dealing with marketing of nanoproducts and consumer behavior research.