This book describes developments in the field of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy or nanoscopy. In 11 chapters, distinguished scientists and leaders in their respective fields describe different nanoscopy approaches, various labeling technologies, and concrete applications. The topics covered include the principles and applications of the most popular nanoscopy techniques STED and (f)PALM/STORM, along with advances brought about by fluorescent proteins and organic dyes optimized for fluorescence nanoscopy. Furthermore, the photophysics of fluorescent labels is addressed, specifically for improving their photoswitching capabilities. Important applications are also discussed, such as the tracking and counting of molecules to determine acting forces in cells, and quantitative cellular imaging, respectively, as well as the mapping of chemical reaction centers at the nano-scale. The 2014 Chemistry Nobel Prize® was awarded for the ground-breaking developments of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy. In this book, which was co-edited by one of the prize winners, readers will find the most recent developments in this field.

This volume presents a considerable number of interrelated contributions dealing with the new scientific ability to shape and control matter and electromagnetic fields on a sub-wavelength scale. The topics range from the fundamental ones, such as photonic metamateriials, plasmonics and sub-wavelength resolution to the more applicative, such as detection of single molecules, tomography on a micro-chip, fluorescence spectroscopy of biological systems, coherent control of biomolecules, biosensing of single proteins, terahertz spectroscopy of nanoparticles, rare earth ion-doped nanoparticles, random lasing, and nanocoax array architecture. The various subjects bridge over the disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry, making this volume of interest to people working in these fields. The emphasis is on the principles behind each technique and on examining the full potential of each technique. The contributions that appear in this volume were presented at a NATO Advanced Study Institute that was held in Erice, Italy, 3-18 July, 2011. The pedagogical aspect of the Institute is reflected in the topics presented in this volume.

The first step in developing nanoscience and nanotechnology is the production of nanoparticles. Controlled Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Microheterogeneous Systems contains descriptions of one of the most powerful bottom-up methods of synthesizing size controlled and stable nanoparticles. This method is based on the use of surfactant-containing microheterogeneous systems: liquid crystals, monolayers and multilayers, solutions of direct and reversed micelles, direct and reversed vesicles, and water-in-oil and oil-in-water microemulsions. The author is prominent in the field of physico-chemical characterization of microheterogeneous systems and their use as ideal solvent and reaction media for the production and long-term storage of nanomaterials. This is the first book that attempts to unify the knowledge necessary for judicious manipulation of surfactant-based systems and a fine tuning of geometric and physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles of a wide variety of substances. Prof. Turco Liveri has chosen to write an easy-to-read book aiming to be evocative rather than exhaustive. Because of the intense interest in nanoscience and nanomaterials, this book is an important fundamental work that fits ideally into the series Nanostructure Science and Technology and will be useful for a wide range of students and young researchers involved in the study and manipulation of matter at the atomic level.

This book features reviews by leading experts on the methods and applications of modern forms of microscopy. The recent awards of Nobel Prizes awarded for super-resolution optical microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy have demonstrated the rich scientific opportunities for research in novel microscopies. Earlier Nobel Prizes for electron microscopy (the instrument itself and applications to biology), scanning probe microscopy and holography are a reminder of the central role of microscopy in modern science, from the study of nanostructures in materials science, physics and chemistry to structural biology. Separate chapters are devoted to confocal, fluorescent and related novel optical microscopies, coherent diffractive imaging, scanning probe microscopy, transmission electron microscopy in all its modes from aberration corrected and analytical to in-situ and time-resolved, low energy electron microscopy, photoelectron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy in biology, and also ion microscopy. In addition to serving as an essential reference for researchers and teachers in the fields such as materials science, condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, structural biology and the molecular sciences generally, the Springer Handbook of Microscopy is a unified, coherent and pedagogically attractive text for advanced students who need an authoritative yet accessible guide to the science and practice of microscopy.

Persistent Phosphors: From Fundamentals to Applications provides an introduction to the key synthesis methods, characterization methods, physical mechanisms, and applications of this important luminescent materials system. The book covers basic persistent phosphorescence, introducing concepts such as emission, luminescence, phosphorescence, persistent phosphorescence and the development of persistent phosphors. Then, synthesis methods are reviewed and the connections between synthesis methods and improved materials properties are discussed. Characterization methods to investigate the trapping and de-trapping mechanism are also presented. Other sections cover the theoretical framework and energy band engineering models and materials with a focus on activators, hosts, emission bands and excitation bands. Finally, the most relevant applications of persistent phosphors are included for use in displays, safety signs, bio-labels and energy. Persistent Phosphors is an invaluable reference for materials scientists and engineers in academia and R&D. It is a key resource for chemists and physicists. Presents characterization techniques to reveal the photophysical and photochemical properties of defects for this important category of luminescent materials Discusses the structural role of defects in polycrystals and the capture-storing-migration-release progress of excited carriers Demonstrates the synthesis routes and potential applications for persistent phosphor materials

This volume reviews the latest trends in organic optoelectronic materials. Each comprehensive chapter allows graduate students and newcomers to the field to grasp the basics, whilst also ensuring that they have the most up-to-date overview of the latest research. Topics include: organic conductors and semiconductors; conducting polymers and conjugated polymer semiconductors, as well as their applications in organic field-effect-transistors; organic light-emitting diodes; and organic photovoltaics and transparent conducting electrodes. The molecular structures, synthesis methods, physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of the organic optoelectronic materials are also introduced and described in detail. The authors also elucidate the structures and working mechanisms of organic optoelectronic devices and outline fundamental scientific problems and future research directions. This volume is invaluable to all those interested in organic optoelectronic materials.