A highly coveted objective of modern materials science is to optimize multiple coupled functionalities in the same single phase material and control the cross-response via multiple external fields. One important example of such multi-functionality are multiferroic materials where two or more ferroic properties are intrinsically coupled. They include, among others, the magneto-electric and magneto-structural materials, which are well understood at the nano- and continuum length (and time) scales. The next emerging frontier is to connect these two limiting scales by probing the mesoscale physics of these materials. This book not only attempts to provide this connection but also presents the state-of-the art of the present understanding and potential applications of many related complex multifunctional materials. The main emphasis is on the multiscale bridging of their properties with the aim to discover novel properties and applications in the context of materials by design. This interdisciplinary book serves both graduate students and expert researchers alike.

The physics of disordered systems has enjoyed a resurgence of interest in the last decade. New concepts such as weak localization, interaction effects and Coulomb gap, have been developed for the transport properties of metals and insulators. With the fabrication of smaller and smaller samples and the routine availability of low temperatures, new physics has emerged from the studies of small devices. The new field goes under the name "mesoscopic physics" and has rapidly developed, both experimentally and theoretically. This book is designed to review the current status of the field.Most of the chapters in the book are devoted to the development of new ideas in the field. They include reviews of experimental observations of conductance fluctuations and the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in disordered metals, theoretical and experimental work on low frequency noise in small disordered systems, transmittancy fluctuations through random barriers, and theoretical work on the distribution of fluctuation quantities such as conductance. Two chapters are not connected directly to the mesoscopic fluctuations but deal with small systems. They cover the effects of Coulomb interaction in the tunneling through the small junctions, and experimental results on ballistic transport through a perfect conductor.

This book provides the state-of-the art of the present understanding of avalanche phenomena in both functional materials and geophysics. The main emphasis of the book is analyzing these apparently different problems within the common perspective of out-of-equilibrium phenomena displaying spatial and temporal complexity that occur in a broad range of scales. Many systems, when subjected to an external force, respond intermittently in the form of avalanches that often span over a wide range of sizes, energies and durations. This is often related to a class of critical behavior characterized by the absence of characteristic scales. Typical examples are magnetization processes, plastic deformation and failure occuring in functional materials. These phenomena share many similarities with seismicity arising from the earth crust failure due to stresses that originate from plate tectonics.

Adaptronics is the term encompassing technical fields that have become known internationally under the names "smart materials", "intelligent structures", and "smart structures". Adaptronics contributes to the optimisation of systems and products. It bridges the gap between material and system or product, and incorporates the search for multi-functional materials and elements and their integration in systems or structures. The authors of this book have taken on the task of displaying the current state of the art in this fascinating field. The system components, actuators, sensors and controllers, technical fundamentals, materials, design rules and practical solutions are all described. Selected sample applications are also presented and current development trends are demonstrated.

The book focuses on the relevant basic concepts of Magnetic oxides, as well as on synthesis routes and important applications of spinel ferrites, hexaferrites and magnetic oxide nanomaterials. Keywords: Magnetic Oxides, Spinel Ferrites, Hexaferrites, Magnetoelectric Ceramic Composites, Soft Ferrites, Nano-Size Spinel Ferrites, Magnetic Nanoparticles, Device Miniaturization.

This book summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on ferrites as well as the cutting-edge applications of these versatile materials. The main families of ferrites and their modern synthesis and processing methods are covered in this review book. Furthermore, the different morphologies of these materials and their current and incipient applications are also discussed.