CdSe(sub x)Te(sub 1-x) nanoparticles (with different stoichiometry ratio x) dispersed in silicon dioxide films have been grown by magnetron sputtering technique followed by thermal annealing. Effect of Thermal annealing conditions on the structural, compositional, optical and electronic properties of nanoparticles has been studied Using GAXRD, XPS, TEM, and spectroscopic ellipsometry techniques A structural transformation in the nanoparticle core mediated purely by surface layer effects in the case of CdTe and a spontaneous self-organization of nanoparticles into nanorods in the case of CdSe via fractal growth has been observed. Preliminary observations from the ellipsometry measurements carried out on some of these nanoparticle films shows a blue shift of absorption edge.

Nanostructures of semiconductors and metals show novel optical and transport properties, and offer the perspective of designing materials properties with unprecedented flexibility and control. This has motivated research in the synthesis and characterization of new materials. This 2004 book brings together scientists with various levels of expertise in the growth, characterization and applications of inorganic nanostructures, such as quantum dots, nanowires and nanorods, to discuss and share developments in the field. Reports focus on techniques to prepare and characterize novel materials, investigations of novel optical and electronic properties, and novel applications, such as those that are biologically inspired. Topics include: synthesis and characterization of semiconductor quantum dots, nanoparticles and nanowires using wet chemistry and molecular beam approaches; synthesis, characterization and novel properties of metallic nanostructures; optical properties of neutral and charged excitons and exciton complexes in self-assembled quantum dots; nanoscale devices and sensors based on nanostructures and their properties; and design and characterization of quantum dot-bioconjugates and their use in assay developments.

Papers from a December 2003 symposium review and discuss the science and technology of nanostructured materials and nanocomposites, with special emphasis placed on the relationships between their fabrication, structure, strength, and ductility. Major themes are nanoscience and nanoengineering of bulk and composite materials, thick coatings, and thin films with enhanced mechanical properties for structural and functional applications. The book will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in nanostructured materials science, and for engineers involved in the production and processing of nanocrystalline materials and nanocomposites for structural and functional applications. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

The availability of materials that can bind selectively to a target molecule is the key to unlocking a host of new technologies. Molecular imprinting is an established technology, which allows the synthesis of materials containing highly specific receptor sites having an affinity for a target compound. For example, molecularly imprinted materials can mimic some of the functions of enzymes through the creation of three-dimensional cavities of specific size and shape for biorecognition of bioactive compounds. This volume offers a forum for technical exchange among members of the worldwide community of scientists and engineers who work in the area of molecular imprinting. Researchers from academia, government and industry present results in applications of molecular imprinting related to catalysis, combinatorial and computational methods, new monomers and recognition strategies, sensors, drug discovery and therapy, and new molecular imprinting formats.

Fifty-eight peer-reviewed papers from the December 2003 symposium examine questions of structure, properties, and processing of amorphous and nanocrystalline materials. Organized into six sessions, the broad topics covered within this area of materials science include crystallization of amorphous alloys, quasicrystals from metallic glasses, processing and glass forming ability, physical properties, shear bands and mechanical properties, and applications and environmental effects. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

This volume, a continuation of the MEMS, NEMS, and molecular machines symposium of the 2002 MRS Fall Meeting, is devoted to the investigation of materials and device behavior at the micro-, nano-, and molecular scale as well as interdisciplinary work futhering the design and development of micro-, nano-, and molecular devices. New materials and fabrication techniques are introduced, and ongoing issues such as reliability, surface effects, processing and packaging, biocompatibility, and stability are discussed. Projects coupling micro-and nanoscale approaches to solve ongoing issues in the development of small-scale systems are featured. Topics include: nanotechnology; alternative fabrication techniques; micro- and nanofluidics; applied micro- and nanotechnology; mechanical properties; biotechnology and nanotechnology; alternative materials and metrology; and surface engineering and tribology.