Mixed-valence manganites have attracted considerable attention since the late 19th century. The intriguing interplay of charge, spin and orbital ordering in the manganites systems superimposed by interface/surface effects provides a scientific platform beneficial for both fundamental and application-oriented research. The fundamental basis for understanding physical properties and designing new functionalities of manganites is the concept of the symmetry of order parameters which can be manipulated artificially by controlling the interplay of electronic degrees of freedom. This book explores the possibility of externally modifying the properties of manganite based thin films and heterojunctions by epitaxial strain or artificial boundaries, which could give us new insights to generating properties at the interface between film and heterointerface. The book describes some of the sophisticated concepts concerning manganite-based films and heterojunctions in clear detail, bringing us closer than ever to understanding the research progress and main trends. What we can learn from the book is highly thought-provoking: the explanation of the strain stabilization and strain induced effects in manganite based films and heterointerfaces; the comparison between electrical transport in manganite based heterojunctions and semiconductor junctions; and, in particular, the interpretation of the photoinduced and photovoltaic effect in manganite based films and heterojunctions. Furthermore, the magneto-tunability at the manganite based heterointerfaces leading to the design of new functionalities will be highlighted at last.

The authors of this book, all with a background in condensed matter physics, have carried out advanced researches in recent years to study the optical and magneto-optical properties of many kinds of new functional materials, including metal-based metamaterials, narrow-to-wide-bandgap semiconductors, thin films, and magnetic and magneto-optical materials by using different types of optical methods and instruments. This book describes some of the more recent progresses and developments in the study of condensed matter optics in both theoretic and experimental fields. It will help readers, especially graduate students and scientists who are studying and working in the nano-photonic field, to understand more deeply the characteristics of light waves propagated in nano-structure-based materials with potential applications in the future.

Chemical Solution Synthesis for Materials Design and Thin Film Device Applications presents current research on wet chemical techniques for thin-film based devices. Sections cover the quality of thin films, types of common films used in devices, various thermodynamic properties, thin film patterning, device configuration and applications. As a whole, these topics create a roadmap for developing new materials and incorporating the results in device fabrication. This book is suitable for graduate, undergraduate, doctoral students, and researchers looking for quick guidance on material synthesis and device fabrication through wet chemical routes. - Provides the different wet chemical routes for materials synthesis, along with the most relevant thin film structured materials for device applications - Discusses patterning and solution processing of inorganic thin films, along with solvent-based processing techniques - Includes an overview of key processes and methods in thin film synthesis, processing and device fabrication, such as nucleation, lithography and solution processing

Thin Film Metal-Oxides provides a representative account of the fundamental structure-property relations in oxide thin films. Functional properties of thin film oxides are discussed in the context of applications in emerging electronics and renewable energy technologies. Readers will find a detailed description of deposition and characterization of metal oxide thin films, theoretical treatment of select properties and their functional performance in solid state devices, from leading researchers. Scientists and engineers involved with oxide semiconductors, electronic materials and alternative energy will find Thin Film Metal-Oxides a useful reference.

This book focuses on charged-particle optics and microscopy, as well as their applications in the materials sciences. Presenting a range of cutting-edge theoretical and methodological advances in electron microscopy and microanalysis, and examining their crucial roles in modern materials research, it offers a unique resource for all researchers who work in ultramicroscopy and/or materials research. The book addresses the growing opportunities in this field and introduces readers to the state of the art in charged-particle microscopy techniques. It showcases recent advances in scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and helium ion microscopy, including advanced spectroscopy, spherical-corrected microscopy, focused-ion imaging and in-situ microscopy. Covering these and other essential topics, the book is intended to facilitate the development of microscopy techniques, inspire young researchers, and make a valuable contribution to the field.

This book is the first pedagogical synthesis of the field of topological insulators and superconductors, one of the most exciting areas of research in condensed matter physics. Presenting the latest developments, while providing all the calculations necessary for a self-contained and complete description of the discipline, it is ideal for researchers and graduate students preparing to work in this area, and it will be an essential reference both within and outside the classroom. The book begins with the fundamental description on the topological phases of matter such as one, two- and three-dimensional topological insulators, and methods and tools for topological material's investigations, topological insulators for advanced optoelectronic devices, topological superconductors, saturable absorber and in plasmonic devices. Advanced Topological Insulators provides researchers and graduate students with the physical understanding and mathematical tools needed to embark on research in this rapidly evolving field.