This book presents the most recent updates in the field of photon and optical materials research. It is devoted to various interdisciplinary subjects such as fundamental photon physics, bio and medical photon physics, ultrafast non-linear optics, quasiparticle excitation and spectroscopy, coherent mid-infrared (IR) light sources, functional optoelectronic materials and optical fibres, and quantum nano-structured devices for various important technological applications. It contains 19 authoritative peer-reviewed chapters regarding experimental and theoretical research in these fields, contributed by young scientists and engineers (assistant or associate professor level) along with well-established experts. The response of materials to electromagnetic fields, namely light-matter interaction, has been of special concern in fundamental optical sciences. The ability to fabricate and/or engineer new materials and structures is giving rise to revolutionary changes in the field, which also includes soft condensed matter and nanoscale systems. On the other hand, significant demand for new coherent light sources at mid-IR ranges has caused new laser technologies to flourish, which utilise innovative optical materials and quantum structures. Important mid-IR applications include IR countermeasures, optical telecommunications, broadband Internet, environmental monitoring, remote sensing of chemical and biological species, minimally invasive medical surgery and medical diagnosis, and direct imaging of biological structures and relevant processes. Most of the chapters presented in this book address key issues on light-matter interaction in various systems and the next generation of light sources aiming at practical applications. Included with these applications are some fundamental topics such as photon Bose-Einstein condensation, vacuum polarisation field, and polarisational bremsstrahlung. This collection of fresh updates on such stimulating areas makes this book quite unique, as it provides an in-depth review on the most recent progress as well as suggesting future research directions.

This book presents the most recent updates in the field of photon and optical materials research. It is devoted to various interdisciplinary subjects such as fundamental photon physics, bio and medical photon physics, ultrafast nonlinear optics, quasiparticle excitation and spectroscopy, coherent mid-infrared (IR) light sources, functional optoelectronic materials and optical fibers, and quantum nano-structured devices for various important technological applications. It contains 19 authoritative peer-reviewed chapters regarding experimental and theoretical research in these fields, contributed by young scientists and engineers (assistant or associate professor level) along with well-established experts. The response of materials to electromagnetic fields, namely light-matter interaction, has been of special concern in fundamental optical sciences. The ability to fabricate and/or engineer new materials and structures is giving rise to revolutionary changes in the field, which also includes soft condensed matter and nanoscale systems. On the other hand, significant demand for new coherent light sources at mid-IR ranges has caused new laser technologies to flourish, which utilize innovative optical materials and quantum structures. Important mid-IR applications include IR countermeasures, optical telecommunications, broadband Internet, environmental monitoring, remote sensing of chemical and biological species, minimally invasive medical surgery and medical diagnosis, and direct imaging of biological structures and relevant processes. Most of the chapters presented in this book address key issues on light-matter interaction in various systems and the next generation of light sources aiming at practical applications. Included with these applications are some fundamental topics such as photon Bose-Einstein condensation, vacuum polarization field, and polarizational bremsstrahlung. This collection of fresh updates on such stimulating areas makes this book quite unique, as it provides an in-depth review on the most recent progress as well as suggesting future research directions

The aim of this book is to give readers a broad review of topical worldwide advancements in theoretical and experimental facts, instrumentation and practical applications erudite by luminescent materials and their prospects in dealing with different types of luminescence like photoluminescence, electroluminescence, thermo-luminescence, triboluminescence, bioluminescence design and applications. The additional part of this book deals with the dynamics, rare-earth ions, photon down-/up-converting materials, luminescence dating, lifetime, bioluminescence microscopical perspectives and prospects towards the basic research or for more advanced applications. This book is divided into four main sections: luminescent materials and their associated phenomena; photo-physical properties and their emerging applications; thermoluminescence dating: from theory to applications, and bioluminescence perspectives and prospects. Individual chapters should serve the broad spectrum of common readers of diverse expertise, layman, students and researchers, who may in this book find easily elucidated fundamentals as well as progressive principles of specific subjects associated with these phenomena. This book was created by 14 contributions from experts in different fields of luminescence and technology from over 20 research institutes worldwide.

This book informs readers about recent advances in graphene carbocatalysis encapsulating the current developments in the syntheses, properties, characterizations, functionalization and catalytic applications of graphene, its derivatives and composites. It serves as a comprehensive primary reference book for chemistry and engineering students who are required to learn about graphene chemistry in detail. It also serves as an introductory reference for industry professionals and researchers who are interested in graphene research as well as its emerging applications in catalysis and beyond Volume 1 provides an introduction to catalysis and the chemistry of graphene. This is followed by chapters that cover the chemistry of graphene compounds. Next, it covers the functionalization of graphene into catalytic materials and its role in the synthesis of nanocomposites. Finally, the book delves into the complex aspects of graphene carbocatalysis: recent advances in graphene supported palladium catalysts for coupling reactions, applications of graphene-based catalysts in multicomponent, domino reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, and recent trends in biocatalytic properties of graphene-based composites are all discussed in detail.

Chemistry and chemical engineering have changed significantly in the last decade. They have broadened their scopeâ€"into biology, nanotechnology, materials science, computation, and advanced methods of process systems engineering and controlâ€"so much that the programs in most chemistry and chemical engineering departments now barely resemble the classical notion of chemistry. Beyond the Molecular Frontier brings together research, discovery, and invention across the entire spectrum of the chemical sciencesâ€"from fundamental, molecular-level chemistry to large-scale chemical processing technology. This reflects the way the field has evolved, the synergy at universities between research and education in chemistry and chemical engineering, and the way chemists and chemical engineers work together in industry. The astonishing developments in science and engineering during the 20th century have made it possible to dream of new goals that might previously have been considered unthinkable. This book identifies the key opportunities and challenges for the chemical sciences, from basic research to societal needs and from terrorism defense to environmental protection, and it looks at the ways in which chemists and chemical engineers can work together to contribute to an improved future.

This book explores some of the latest and recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and applications of magnetic nanomaterials. It starts with an overview of magnetic nanomaterials, followed by a list of their synthesis and characterization methods. The book shows the potential of magnetic materials in different applications, including theranostic nanomedicine, heavy metals detection, dyes sensing, solar cells, wastewater treatment, decontamination of soil, and detection and monitoring of toxic gases. Moreover, it explores their use as drug and gene delivery agents, their biosafety and bioregulation facets, tissue engineering applications, and their potential for combating pathogens

In modern optics, the photon concept is indispensable for an ever-increasing range of applications, including many that are now prominent in twenty-first-century technology. To fully appreciate these applications, it is essential to understand the quantum principles and the mechanisms involved. This book, written by two widely published experts in the area, aims to provide a sound and up-to-date description of the theory and applications of photon science. It concisely explains substantial theory with a light touch, and the text is illustrated with original color figures.

As part of the Physics 2010 decadal survey project, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation requested that the National Research Council assess the opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology. In particular, the National Research Council was asked to cover the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. Controlling the Quantum World, discusses both the roles and challenges for AMO science in instrumentation; scientific research near absolute zero; development of extremely intense x-ray and laser sources; exploration and control of molecular processes; photonics at the nanoscale level; and development of quantum information technology. This book also offers an assessment of and recommendations about critical issues concerning maintaining U.S. leadership in AMO science and technology.

Biophoton emission now belongs to a topical field of modern science: It concerns a weak light emision from biological systems. Such molecular events are clearly compatible with collective phenomena as shown by recent developments in the life sciences such as the chaos theory. This book is concerned with the ?optical window? of biological interactions and in view of their correlations to many biological functions they provide a powerful, non-invasive tool of analysing biological systems. Topics include food science, pollution, efficacy of drugs including the treatment of cancer and immune diseases, and communication phenomena such as consciousness.The collection of articles in this book covers the historical background, the physics of biophoton emission, those biological phenomena which show evidence of a ?holistic? character, and finally discusses applications and biological evolution. This volume serves to bring researchers up-to-date on the subject and draws attention to the many exciting findings that are widely scattered in the scientific literature.