Silicon Embrace


Book Description

A near-future where technology and ancient spiritual secrets merge into something very strange... something as strange as a silicon embrace. America has suffered ecological breakdown and the Second Civil War. But the balkanization of the U.S.—along with humanity’s secret history and what has really been going on in Area 51 and UFOs for decades—are all part of a startling convergence which will transform humanity... or destroy it. * * * Reviews: “John Shirley has written the best novel of his career. Mature yet youthfully indignant, spiritually insightful yet carnally streetwise, his new book is aboil with ideas and action, full of keen-eyed speculations for the future and daring revisions of history.”—Asimov’s “Silicon Embrace is at once sly, sad eloquent, gonzo, mystic, surreal, and all-American, mixing the pulpiest Sci-Fi with true literary sophistication. A new gem from John Shirley.—Locus “Angels and aliens alike figure in this metaphysical SF novel from proto-cyberpunker Shirley, who here throws UFOs, black helicopters, several major biblical figures and spiritual transcendence into the early 21st century... it's clear that the author is having fun tying together disparate UFO, conspiracy and New Age myths; readers will have fun watching him do the tying, too.”—Publishers Weekly




Silicon Embrace


Book Description

A near-future where technology and ancient spiritual secrets merge into something very strange... something as strange as a silicon embrace. America has suffered ecological breakdown and the Second Civil War. But the balkanization of the U.S.—along with humanity's secret history and what has really been going on in Area 51 and UFOs for decades—are all part of a startling convergence which will transform humanity... or destroy it. * * * Reviews: "John Shirley has written the best novel of his career. Mature yet youthfully indignant, spiritually insightful yet carnally streetwise, his new book is aboil with ideas and action, full of keen-eyed speculations for the future and daring revisions of history."—Asimov's "Silicon Embrace is at once sly, sad eloquent, gonzo, mystic, surreal, and all-American, mixing the pulpiest Sci-Fi with true literary sophistication. A new gem from John Shirley.—Locus "Angels and aliens alike figure in this metaphysical SF novel from proto-cyberpunker Shirley, who here throws UFOs, black helicopters, several major biblical figures and spiritual transcendence into the early 21st century... it's clear that the author is having fun tying together disparate UFO, conspiracy and New Age myths; readers will have fun watching him do the tying, too."—Publishers Weekly




Seek!


Book Description

The essays and memoirs collected in Seek! trace Rudy Rucker's trajectory through the final decade of the second millennium. His topics include artificial life, chaos, the big bang, Pieter Brueghel, the church of the subgenius, live sex, mathematics, science fiction, and TV evangelism. A computer scientist and programmer, Rucker is an articulate, engaging guide to the world on either side of the computer screen.




In Darkness Waiting


Book Description

No writer combines the "delight in dread" with social consciousness and metaphysical meaning the way John Shirley does. Although In Darkness Waiting begins in much the same vein as many horror novels (mysterious deaths; a small town invaded by evil; plucky, attractive young lovers; the logical level-headed doctor; some salt-of-the-earth townsfolk...) by its end you will have discovered it is not "just another horror novel." With its exploration of the "insect" inside us all, In Darkness Waiting proves more relevant today than ever. Considering a read of In Darkness Waiting is like considering a trip through the Amazon with no weapons and no vaccinations and no shoes. It's like contemplating a journey in the Arctic clad only in your underwear. Or maybe it's more like dropping into one of those spelunker's challenges, those chilling pitch-black shafts into the Earth's crust-and when you get down there your light burns out and you remember the chitinous fauna of the cavern... Unlike undertaking those endeavors, you can get through the harrowing pages of In Darkness Waiting alive (although we are not promising you'll remain unscathed.) Towards the end you'll discover one of the most extreme yet literate passages ever written. It may well be the most outré scene ever created. But John Shirley wasn't after shock alone. Shock is never enough for him.




Strange Divisions and Alien Territories


Book Description

Strange Divisions and Alien Territories explores the sub-genres of science fiction from the perspectives of a range of top SF authors. Combining a critical viewpoint with the exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing authors working in the field, contributors include Michael Swanwick, Catherine Asaro and Paul di Filippo.




Wafer Fabrication


Book Description

This book systematically introduces modeling, performance evaluation and applications of Automatic Materiel Handling System (AMHS) in semiconductor manufactucing, and focuses discussion on the coordination of two subsystems. Resources dispatch and optimization are conducted on operational research combined with cases studies. Written in a practical way, it is an essential reference for researchers and engineers in manufacturing and management.




Things:


Book Description

The relation between religion and things has long been conceived in antagonistic terms, privileging spirit above matter, belief above ritual and objects, meaning above form and 'inward' contemplation above 'outward' action. This book addresses these issues.




A Splendid Chaos


Book Description

Zero is a young film maker who believes his whole life and career are mapped out before him. That is, until the night he and his friends walk into a rock club ... and are caught in a dazzling trap that spans worlds. They are dropped onto a dreamlike planet whose surrealistic beauty cannot hide its grotesque reality. Fool's Hope a world, so stunningly bizarre, nightmares are irrelevant. Here, abductees both human and alien are pitted against a neverending succession of hellish parasites, carnivores, shape-changers, and symbiotes. Yet the greatest enemy of all could be human. When former professor Harmon Fiskle is transformed by the Current a roving mutagenic force he is freed to pursue his megalomaniacal nature. He advocates a depraved policy of social Darwinism, and forges a grotesque alliance of Twists: men and women who have sacrificed their own humanity to become monstrous mutations of their former selves. With an entire world at stake, only Zero can solve the mystery of Fool's Hope ... if it isn't already too late.




From Sand to Silicon: An Insider's Guide to Semiconductor Manufacturing


Book Description

Illuminating the Realm of Semiconductor Manufacturing In the vast landscape of technological progress, few realms have captured the imagination and propelled humanity forward as profoundly as semiconductor manufacturing. From the humble beginnings of vacuum tubes to the marvels of integrated circuits, the art and science of creating microelectronic wonders have revolutionized countless industries, touching every aspect of our modern lives. This book delves into the intricate world of semiconductor manufacturing, shedding light on the secrets hidden within the microscopic structures that power our digital age. It embarks on a journey through the interplay of physics, chemistry, engineering, and innovation, revealing the complex tapestry of processes that transform raw materials into the backbone of our technological advancement. As we venture further into the digital era, the demand for faster, smaller, and more efficient devices continues to surge. The manufacturing of semiconductor chips has become a delicate dance between precision and scale, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible. Understanding the intricacies of this process is vital not only for engineers and scientists but for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of the technological marvels that surround us. Throughout this book, we aim to demystify the fascinating world of semiconductor manufacturing, guiding readers through the fundamental concepts, the challenges faced, and the remarkable achievements attained. We will explore the various stages of semiconductor fabrication, from crystal growth and wafer preparation to photolithography, etching, and deposition, all the way to packaging and testing. Along the way, we will encounter the heroes of this domain—scientists, engineers, and innovators—who have relentlessly pursued breakthroughs, unlocking the secrets that underpin the magic of the semiconductor industry. While the content within these pages is intended to provide a comprehensive overview, it is important to acknowledge that the field of semiconductor manufacturing is a dynamic and ever-evolving one. With each passing day, new discoveries and advancements push the boundaries even further. Therefore, this book aims to serve as a foundation, providing readers with the knowledge and tools to grasp the core principles, while also inspiring them to explore and contribute to the ongoing advancements in this field. Whether you are a curious student embarking on a journey of discovery, a seasoned professional seeking to expand your knowledge, or an enthusiast eager to comprehend the inner workings of the devices that shape our lives, this book will be your guide. Together, let us embark on an illuminating expedition into the realm of semiconductor manufacturing, where the merging of science and engineering enables us to glimpse the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.




Silicon Photonics


Book Description

Silicon photonics uses chip-making techniques to fabricate photonic circuits. The emerging technology is coming to market at a time of momentous change. The need of the Internet content providers to keep scaling their data centers is becoming increasing challenging, the chip industry is facing a future without Moore's law, while telcos must contend with a looming capacity crunch due to continual traffic growth. Each of these developments is significant in its own right. Collectively, they require new thinking in the design of chips, optical components, and systems. Such change also signals new business opportunities and disruption. Notwithstanding challenges, silicon photonics' emergence is timely because it is the future of several industries. For the optical industry, the technology will allow designs to be tackled in new ways. For the chip industry, silicon photonics will become the way of scaling post-Moore's law. New system architectures enabled by silicon photonics will improve large-scale computing and optical communications. Silicon Photonics: Fueling the Next Information Revolution outlines the history and status of silicon photonics. The book discusses the trends driving the datacom and telecom industries, the main but not the only markets for silicon photonics. In particular, developments in optical transport and the data center are discussed as are the challenges. The book details the many roles silicon photonics will play, from wide area networks down to the chip level. Silicon photonics is set to change the optical components and chip industries; this book explains how. - Captures the latest research assessing silicon photonics development and prospects - Demonstrates how silicon photonics addresses the challenges of managing bandwidth over distance and within systems - Explores potential applications of SiP, including servers, datacenters, and Internet of Things