There is considerable interest in the intrinsically multiscale structure and dynamics of complex electronic oxides, especially since these materials include those of technological importance, such as colossal magnetoresistance manganites and cuprate high temperature superconductors. Current microscopies, such as diffuse X-ray and inelastic neutron scattering, electromagnetic and acoustic response, NMR and scanning tunneling microscope probes, have revealed static and dynamic multiscale patterns in charge positioning, lattice structure and magnetic orientation, that respond to both external stress and magnetic field. These self-organized patterns include charge and orbital ordering; stripes in strain/spin; and labyrinth-like conductance modulations. The materials exhibit nanoscale phase segregation and mesoscale inhomogeneous clustering, and their phase transitions can have a percolative character.This volume presents experimental and theoretical work on these exciting new developments in condensed matter physics and materials science.

With this book, we wish to honor the lifework of K. Alex Müller and present him with this book on the occasion of his 94th birthday. We are convinced that he will very much enjoy reading it. We would like to thank all contributors to this book, who addressed topics complementary and related to his work. The articles of the book represent the efforts in solid state physics – spanning more than 60 years – which have been groundbreaking in scientific and applied sciences. Many of the current hot topics are derived from this earlier work which has pioneered the way toward new experimental tools and/or refined techniques. From this point of view, the book presents, on one hand, a historical review and, on the other hand, a directory of possible future research.

In this book the author extends the concepts introduced in his Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics to situations in which the strong electronic correlations are crucial for the understanding of the observed phenomena. Starting from a model field theory to illustrate the basic ideas, more complex systems are analyzed in turn. A special chapter is devoted to the description of antiferromagnets, doped Mott insulators, and quantum Hall liquids from the point of view of gauge theory.

energy production, environmental management, transportation, communication, computation, and education. As the twenty-first century unfolds, nanotechnology's impact on the health, wealth, and security of the world's people is expected to be at least as significant as the combined influences in this century of antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and human-made polymers. Dr. Neal Lane, Advisor to the President for Science and Technology and former National Science Foundation (NSF) director, stated at a Congressional hearing in April 1998, "If I were asked for an area of science and engineering that will most likely produce the breakthroughs of tomorrow, I would point to nanoscale science and engineering. " Recognizing this potential, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have issued a joint memorandum to Federal agency heads that identifies nanotechnology as a research priority area for Federal investment in fiscal year 2001. This report charts "Nanotechnology Research Directions," as developed by the Interagency W orking Group on Nano Science, Engineering, and Technology (IWGN) of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The report incorporates the views of leading experts from government, academia, and the private sector. It reflects the consensus reached at an IWGN-sponsored workshop held on January 27-29, 1999, and detailed in contributions submitted thereafter by members of the V. S. science and engineering community. (See Appendix A for a list of contributors.

This book guides beginners in the areas of thin film preparation, characterization, and device making, while providing insight into these areas for experts. As chemically deposited metal oxides are currently gaining attention in development of devices such as solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, etc., the book illustrates how the chemical deposition route is emerging as a relatively inexpensive, simple, and convenient solution for large area deposition. The advancement in the nanostructured materials for the development of devices is fully discussed.