This open access book introduces the science of the new materials, soft crystals, by showing various interesting examples. Different from conventional hard and stable crystals, the soft crystals respond to gentle stimuli such as vapor exposure and rubbing but maintain their structural order. In this book, their exhibition of remarkable visual changes in their shape, color, and luminescence is described. Through the chapters, historical background, recent remarkable developments, and future prospects are described concisely. This book helps readers to understand a new concept of materials that have the characteristics of stimulus-sensitive soft matter and finely controlled crystals and to design novel materials with the characteristics. The English translation of this book from its Japanese language original manuscript was done with the help of artificial intelligence (machine translation by the service DeepL.com). The text has subsequently been revised further by a professional copy editor in order to refine the work stylistically.

A unique compendium of knowledge on all aspects of the texture of liquid crystals, providing not just detailed information on texture formation and determination, but also an in-depth discussion of different characterization methods. Experts as well as graduates entering the field will find all the information they need in this handbook, while the magnitude of the color images make it valuable hands-on-reference.

This book describes the physics of the second-generation quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a fundamental method of analysis for soft matter at interfaces. From a device for measuring film thickness in vacuum, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has in the past two decades evolved into a versatile instrument for analyzing soft matter at solid/liquid and solid/gas interfaces that found applications in diverse fields including the life sciences, material science, polymer research and electrochemistry. As a consequence of this success, the QCM is now being used by scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds to study an impressive diversity of samples, with intricate data analysis methods being elaborated along the way. It is for these practitioners of the QCM that the book is written. It brings across basic principles behind the technique and the data analysis methods in sufficient detail to be educational and in a format that is accessible to anyone with an undergraduate level knowledge of any of the physical or natural sciences. These principles concern the analysis of acoustic shear waves and build on a number of fundamental physical concepts which many users of the technique do not usually come across. They have counterparts in optical spectroscopy, electrical engineering, quantum mechanics, rheology and mechanics, making this book a useful educational resource beyond the QCM itself. The main focus is the physics of QCM, but as the book describes the behavior of the QCM when exposed to films, droplets, polymer brushes, particles, vesicles, nanobubbles and stick-slip, it also offers insight into the behavior of soft matter at interfaces in a more general sense.

You've been rock hunting in a mine for hours when something sparkly catches your eye. As you clear the dirt from around the crystal, you know your long hunt was worth it. You're holding a shiny blue sapphire! Find out how crystals form, where they are found, and about some of the most amazing crystal discoveries. Then learn how you can find and collect diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and other dazzling crystals too!

Introduction to Liquid Crystals: Chemistry and Physics, Second Edition relies on only introductory level chemistry and physics as the foundation for understanding liquid crystal science. Liquid crystals combine the material properties of solids with the flow properties of fluids. As such they have provided the foundation for a revolution in low-power, flat-panel display technology (LCDs). In this book, the essential elements of liquid crystal science are introduced and explained from the perspectives of both the chemist and physicist. This new edition relies on only introductory level physics and chemistry as the foundation for understanding liquid crystal science and is, therefore, ideal for students and recent graduates. Features Introduces and explains the essential elements of liquid crystal science, including discussion of how liquid crystals have been utilized for innovative and important applications. New to this edition are over 300 figures, 90 end-of chapter exercises, and an increased scope that includes recent developments. Combines the knowledge of two eminent scientists in the field; they have fully updated and expanded the text to cover undergraduate/graduate course work as well as current research in what is now a billion-dollar industry. Immerses the reader in the vocabulary, structures, data, and kinetic models, rapidly building up an understanding of the theories and models in current use. Begins with a historical account of the discovery of liquid crystals and continues with a description of how different phases are generated and how different molecular architectures affect liquid crystal properties.

Fluorinated Liquid Crystals: Design of Soft Nanostructures and Increased Complexity of Self-Assembly by Perfluorinated Segments, by Carsten Tschierske Liquid Crystalline Crown Ethers, by Martin Kaller and Sabine Laschat Star-Shaped Mesogens – Hekates: The Most Basic Star Structure with Three Branches, by Matthias Lehmann DNA-Based Soft Phases, by Tommaso Bellini, Roberto Cerbino and Giuliano Zanchetta Polar and Apolar Columnar Phases Made of Bent-Core Mesogens, by N. Vaupotič, D. Pociecha and E. Gorecka Spontaneous Achiral Symmetry Breaking in Liquid Crystalline Phases, by H. Takezoe Nanoparticles in Liquid Crystals and Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles, by Oana Stamatoiu, Javad Mirzaei, Xiang Feng and Torsten Hegmann Stimuli-Responsive Photoluminescent Liquid Crystals, by Shogo Yamane, Kana Tanabe, Yoshimitsu Sagara and Takashi Kato

This book is more than just a Crystal Meditation instruction manual. The words, images and colours contain an energy signature provided by our Lyran Starbeing friends that remind us of who we truly are and what we are here to do! Immersing yourself in a Crystal Net is an amazing and exhilarating experience. In addition it can balance your energy field and aid in the Ascension process. Meditating with Crystal Nets & Patterns offers a focused and organised way to attune your whole Being to specific energies. The Book Networking with Crystals - Explains what a Crystal Net is. - Introduces the subject of Crystal Patterns. - Beautifully illustrates each Crystal Net, comes with a list of Crystals to use and full instructions on how to lay them out. - Contains tree sections: Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced, so is suitable for all abilities from Crystal novice to Crystal pro's. - Gives 44 Crystal Nets and Patterns for you to try. - Provides guidance on how to look after, and work with, your Crystals. - Gives tips on how to use Crystals with Children - divided into different age groups. - Can be used as an Oracle: Choose the Crystal Net / Pattern image you are drawn to, meditate with the Crystal Net / Pattern and feel yourself Harmonise with the particular energy. - Offers Nets to help with relaxation, emotional balance and creativity as well as some Nets and Patterns which facilitate your connection to the Akasha, open your Channel and delve into ancient esoteric subjects.

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

A comprehensive guide to crystals: their history, powers and how to incorporate them into your day-to-day life. Crystals expert Lauren D'Silva provides practical insight into choosing the right crystals for you and how their many healing properties can enhance your daily life. Alongside information on attuning with your crystals and energy safety, there is also a comprehensive crystal directory detailing common names, suggestions for use and handling instructions. Includes a directory of over 100 crystals. CONTENTS INCLUDES: Chapter 1: About Crystals Including A brief history of crystals, Chemical composition and How does crystal healing work? Chapter 2: Energy Safety Including Grounding, Centring and Considerations when using crystals for healing Chapter 3: Tuning Into Crystals Including Choosing your crystal and Attuning to a crystal Chapter 4: Caring for Your Crystals Including Cleansing crystals, Charging crystals and Creating an altar Chapter 5: Crystals and Your Energy Including Crystals and your chakras, Crystals and your aura and A chakra healing visualisation

This title covers the following: What Are Crystals?; Crystals All over Earth; Crystals under the Microscope; How Do Crystals Grow?; Are all Crystals Perfect?; How Do Crystals Break Up?; How Do We Use Crystals?