The aim of this volume is to advance the understanding of the fundamental properties of fine magnetic particles and to discuss the latest developments from both the theoretical and experimental viewpoints, with special emphasis being placed on the applications in different branches of science and technology. All aspects of fine magnetic particles are covered in the 46 papers. The topics are remarkably interdisciplinary covering theory, materials preparation, structural characterization, optical and electrical properties, magnetic properties studied by different techniques and applications. Some new fundamental properties, such as quantum tunneling and transverse fluctuations of magnetic moments are also explored. Research workers involved in these aspects of materials technology will find this book of great interest.

Ziel dieser Reihe ist es, dem Leser allgemeine Informationen über eine Vielzahl von Themen zur chemischen Physik zu vermitteln. Die Themenkomplexe werden umfassend erläutert, so daß sich auch Neulinge auf diesem Gebiet einen guten Überblick verschaffen können. (10/97)

Fine Particles Science and Technology deals with the preparation, characterization and technological applications of monodisperse particles in the micro to nano size range. A broad view of this frontier field is given, covering understanding the mechanisms by which uniform fine particles are formed and the search for new processes; the mechanism of the precipitation technique, requiring knowledge of the relationship between the complex solution chemistry and the products formed; the sequence of events leading to the formation of monodisperse colloids. The following topics are presented: microparticles, nanoparticles, applications in the preparation of materials, synthesis and properties, environmental applications, and many others.

The purpose of this school, addressed to young researchers and graduate students (physicists, chemists and engineers), was to provide the basis of fundamental properties of nanostructured materials and an introduction to more specialized and up-to-date topics. The topics were remarkably interdisciplinary, covering theory, materials preparation, structural characterization, thermodynamic aspects and mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties.

This book is based on the contributions to a course, entitled Applied Magnetism, which was the 25th Course of the International School of Materials Science and Technology. The Course was held as a NATO Advanced Study Institute at the Ettore Majorana Centre in Erice, Sicily, Italy between the 1st and 12th July 1992, and attracted almost 70 participants from 15 different countries. The book deals with the theory, experiments and applications of the main topical areas of applied magnetism. These selected areas include the physics of magnetic recording, magnetic and magneto-optic recording devices, systems and media, magnetic fine particles, magnetic separation, domains and domain walls in soft magnetic materials, permanent magnets, magnetoresistance, thin film magneto-optics, and finally, microwave, optical and computational magnetics. The material is organised into I 0 self-contained chapters which together provide a comprehensive coverage of the subject of applied magnetism. The aim is to emphasise the connection between the fundamental theoretical concepts, key experiments and the important technological developments which have been achieved in this field up to the present time. Moreover, when and where possible, pointers to future trends are indicated which hopefully, together with the background material, will promote further advancement of research. The organizing committee would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of the NATO Scientific Affairs Division, the National Science Foundation of the USA, the Science and Engineering Research Council of the UK, the Italian Ministry of Education, the Italian Ministry of University and Scientific Research and the Sicilian Regional Government.

"The first comprehensive book on fine particle synthesis that ranges from fundamental principles to the most advanced concepts, highlighting mondispersed particles from nanometers to micrometers. Describes mechanisms of formation and specific characteristics of each family of compounds while identifying problems and proposing solutions. Contains subsections that analyze growth processes, characterize products, and delineate physical and chemical results based on causality."