This work deals with J-aggregates, which have a long history of research. The volume covers electronic states, linear and nonlinear optical properties. Various properties and processes of J-aggregates, such as super-radiance, excitons, photon echo, geometrical structure, electron transfer and femtosecond spectroscopy, are discussed.

In the last 10 years organic dyes, traditionally used for coloring textiles and other materials, have become increasingly important in the hi-tech industries of electronics and optoelectronics. They can be used in optical data storage, new solar cells and biomedical sensors.Functional Dyes discusses the synthesis of these new, high-value dyes and pigments as well as their applications and performance. The chapters are arranged so that the reader logically advances from the fundamental concepts to more practical aspects of the technology in which they are used.In providing the reader with current information on functional dye chemistry, as well as important developments within the field, Functional Dyes is a valuable information source for dye and material chemists, researchers and graduates, who want a summary of the key advances in the field over the last 10 years and an authoritative view on future developments.* Provides a broad introduction to the science technology of the functional dye application* Reviews recent advances on synthesis and characteristics of the functional dyes and their applications* Is a valuable information source for dye and material chemists and researchers

"This groundbreaking book focuses on near-field microscopy which has opened up optical processes at the nanoscale for direct inspection. Further, it explores the emerging area of nano-optics which promises to make possible optical microscopy with true nanometer resolution. This frontline resource helps you achieve high resolution optical imaging of biological species and functional materials. You also find guidance in the imaging of optical device operation and new nanophotonics functionalities"--EBL.

Carotenoids are of great interest due to their essential biological functions in both plants and animals. However, the properties and functions of carotenoids in natural systems are surprisingly complex. With an emphasis on the chemical aspects of these compounds, Carotenoids: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Functions and Properties presents a b

Many books on mesoscopic systems have been published as progress has con tinued in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The focus in these books is mainly on quantum mechanical behavior in artificial electronic sys tems fabricated by nanometer-scale structuring. Such quantum mechanical behavior is projected to macroscopic observers and the quantum nature can be utilized in practical devices. Quantum computers, another hot topic nowa days, are characterized by excitation coherence properties among nanostruc tures, and the ability to maintain excitations is very important when using the characteristics as information. In that sense, the device is described as a microscopic system and some processes occur before being projected to macroscopic observers. In this book, the authors try to describe not only the techniques for fabricating nanostructures but also new directions as re gards exciting systems and understanding how energy is dissipated through observation. The idea of 'nano-electrodynamics' underlying the book is an analogy with the well-established classical electrodynamics. In contrast to the latter, 'nano-electrodynamics' is still in its infancy and far from well established. When a structure is miniaturized as a device, it is essential to have control over energy excitation and dissipation. Otherwise, when a device is squeezed down beyond a certain size and the energy dissipation becomes overwhelmed, the device will eventually collapse. It is our aim in this book to provide some thoughts on the task of making devices out of small structures.

Recently, molecular electronics, especially that utilizing single molecules, has been attracting much attention. This is mainly because the theoretical limit is approaching in the present silicon-based technology, and the development of an alternative process is strongly desired. Single-molecule electronics is aimed at a breakthrough toward the next generation of computing systems. By designing and synthesizing highly functionalized molecules of nanometer size and incorporating these molecules into electrical circuits, we shall obtain much dense and high-speed processors. The concept of single-molecule electronics was first introduced by Aviram and Ratnar in 1978. In the early 1980s, many groups all over the world had started research on molecular electronics. At that time, single-molecule manipulation techniques had not been born, and the research was mainly carried out on molecular films formed by the Langmuir~Blodgett technique, a wet process, and by molecular-beam epitaxy, a dry process. A number of prototypes of switching devices and logic gates were, however, reported in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, scanning probe microscopes became popular and researchers obtained a single-molecule manipulation and evaluation tech nique. It became possible to fabricate practical devices using single molecules or small numbers of molecules. Finally, at the end of the last century, an explosion in the research field of single-molecule electronics was witnessed. In addition, studies of "biocomputing" started in the early 1980s and significant progress was achieved in the last century.

The Porphyrin Handbook, Volume 18: Multiporphyrins, Multiphthalocyanines and Arrays provides information pertinent to every aspect of the chemistry, synthesis, spectroscopy, and structure of phthalocyanines. This book examines the biology and medical implications of porphyrin systems. Organized into five chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the results obtained in the research concerning the properties and formation of a class of metal phthalocyanine derivatives containing of two macrocyclic units. This text then examines the luminescence and photophysical data of multiporphyrin systems in which the chromophore centers are held together by weak, medium, or strong bonding interactions. Other chapters consider the intensive electronic absorption and circular dichroism properties of chiral phthalocyanines. This book discusses as well the chemistry porphyrin and corrin systems. The final chapter deals with geoporphyrins or sedimentary porphyrins, which are the most abundant porphyrin derivatives on earth. This book is a valuable resource for research scientists, engineers, and clinicians.