The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.

Smart materials convert energy from one form to another, particularly into electrical energy but also into mechanical and thermal forms, making them an important type of material, from fundamental physics to device applications. Smart polymer materials are very attractive due to their flexibility, low-cost production and easy processability. In fact, many newly developed polymer-based smart materials exhibit better performance than inorganic materials, with higher strain responses and energy density. Recent developments in electronics, however, challenge smart polymer materials in areas such as dielectric and electric properties in nano- and microscale. This volume presents recent research on polymer-based smart materials, as well as commercial advances and needs. It focuses on materials development, characterization, processing, manufacturing, analysis, design and applications. Topics include: new materials and characterization; device application; new materials and devices; and E-NSF and new materials.

Much more than a slight revision, this second edition of the successful "Handbook of Liquid Crystals" is completely restructured and streamlined, with updated as well as completely new topics, 100% more content and a new team of editors and authors. As such, it fills the gap for a definitive, single source reference for all those working in the field of organized fluids and will set the standard for the next decade. The Handbook's new structure facilitates navigation and combines the presentation of the content by topic and by liquid-crystal type: A fundamentals volume sets the stage for an understanding of the liquid crystal state of matter, while individual volumes cover the main types and forms, with a final volume bringing together the diverse liquid crystal phases through their applications. This unrivaled, all-embracing coverage represents the undiluted knowledge on liquid crystals, making the Handbook a must-have wherever liquid crystals are investigated, produced or used, and in institutions where their science and technology is taught. Also available electronically on Wiley Online Library, www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/ref/holc Volume 1: Fundamentals of Liquid Crystals Volume 2: Physical Properties and Phase Behavior of Liquid Crystals Volume 3: Nematic and Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals Volume 4: Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals Volume 5: Non-Conventional Liquid Crystals Volume 6: Nanostructured and Amphiphilic Liquid Crystals Volume 7: Supermolecular and Polymeric Liquid Crystals Volume 8: Applications of Liquid Crystals

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have transitioned from a technology niche to a role of major industrial significance. The worldwide market for MEMS is now approximately $10 billion, and the total value of systems enabled by MEMS is several orders of magnitude higher than this figure. As the market has grown, the material and process sets have broadened and departed from their semiconductor roots. In addition to engineering materials, there is now great interest in integrating multifunctional nanomaterials, smart materials and biomaterials within MEMS/NEMS to enhance functionality, performance and reliability. The opportunities created by this integration have generated a vibrant research community working on new materials and processes. This book reflects the breadth of topics currently under investigation in the field. Novel materials and accompanying processes are discussed, as are more conventional materials and processes. Consistent themes are the need for accurate material property assessment at the relevant length scales and for suitable metrology tools to support the introduction of new materials.

This book focuses on research related to ionic conducting (e.g., protons, oxygen ions) materials and devices. Contributions range from fundamental materials R&D, to characterization, to materials for batteries, sensors, membranes, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Special emphasis is given to miniaturized solid-oxide fuel cells (micro-SOFCs), from fundamental materials studies which are still very much needed for this application, to the development of devices. Innovative concepts for energy storage are also discussed.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners. This book offers an overview of critical issues related to nanowires, as well as progress in synthesis, structure, properties and devices.

This book brings together more than 100 specialists from around the world to examine the status and emerging trends in the field of rare-earth-doped materials. These materials are used and/or are potential candidates for applications as lasers, light-emitting diodes, phosphors, displays and other photonic applications. Progress in growth, doping methods, characterization and device applications are reviewed. Topics include: rare-earth doping in nitrides; rare-earth doping in silicon-related materials; mechanisms and laser materials and phosphors and scintillators.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.