This book presents a modern theory of so-called weak spatial dispersion (WSD) in composite media of optically small inclusions without natural magnetism and optical nonlinearity. WSD manifests in two important phenomena called bianisotropy and artificial magnetism, whose microscopic origin is thoroughly studied in this book. The theory of this book is applicable to the natural media with WSD, such as chiral materials. However, emphasis is given to artificial media, too, with the idea to engineer needed electromagnetic properties. The text describes a homogenization model of effectively continuous media with multipole electromagnetic response, taking into account the interface effects. Another model is developed for so-called metamaterials in which artificial magnetism can be a resonant phenomenon and may result in the violation of Maxwell’s boundary conditions and other challenges. The book will hopefully improve the understanding of WSD and help readers to correctly describe and characterize metamaterials.

Metamaterials is a subject born in the 21st century. It is concerned with artificial materials which can have electrical and magnetic properties difficult or impossible to find in nature. The mathematics of the book is within the power of final year undergraduates: the aim is to explain the physics in simple terms and enumerate the major advances.

An up-to-date collection of tutorial papers on the latest advances in the deposition and growth of thin films for micro and nano technologies. The emphasis is on fundamental aspects, principles and applications of deposition techniques used for the fabrication of micro and nano devices. The deposition of thin films is described, emphasising the gas phase and surface chemistry and its effects on the growth rates and properties of films. Gas-phase phenomena, surface chemistry, growth mechanisms and the modelling of deposition processes are thoroughly described and discussed to provide a clear understanding of the growth of thin films and microstructures via thermally activated, laser induced, photon assisted, ion beam assisted, and plasma enhanced vapour deposition processes. A handbook for engineers and scientists and an introduction for students of microelectronics.

This book focuses on the use of nanotechnology in several fields of engineering. Among others, the reader will find valuable information as to how nanotechnology can aid in extending the life of component materials exposed to corrosive atmospheres, in thermal fluid energy conversion processes, anti-reflection coatings on photovoltaic cells to yield enhanced output from solar cells, in connection with friction and wear reduction in automobiles, and buoyancy suppression in free convective heat transfer. Moreover, this unique resource presents the latest research on nanoscale transport phenomena and concludes with a look at likely future trends.

A complete overview of the different methods of preparing and studying self-assembled structures at surfaces and interfaces.