This book reviews techniques used to characterize non-linear optical constants of chalcogenide glasses in bulk or thin films, and presents the properties of many chalcogenide systems. A range of applications of these glasses are surveyed, including ultra-fast switching, optical limiting, second harmonic generation and electro-optic effects. Also addressed are suitability of chalcogenide films in all-optical integrated circuits, fabrication of rib as well as ridge waveguides and of fiber gratings.

The unique properties and functionalities of chalcogenide glasses make them promising materials for photonic applications. Chalcogenide glasses are transparent from the visible to the near infrared region and can be moulded into lenses or drawn into fibres. They have useful commercial applications as components for lenses for infrared cameras, and chalcogenide glass fibres and optical components are used in waveguides for use with lasers, for optical switching, chemical and temperature sensing and phase change memories. Chalcogenide glasses comprehensively reviews the latest technological advances in this field and the industrial applications of the technology.Part one outlines the preparation methods and properties of chalcogenide glasses, including the thermal properties, structure, and optical properties, before going on to discuss mean coordination and topological constraints in chalcogenide network glasses, and the photo-induced phenomena in chalcogenide glasses. This section also covers the ionic conductivity and physical aging of chalcogenide glasses, deposition techniques for chalcogenide thin films, and transparent chalcogenide glass-ceramics. Part two explores the applications of chalcogenide glasses. Topics discussed include rare-earth-doped chalcogenide glass for lasers and amplifiers, the applications of chalcogenide glasses for infrared sensing, microstructured optical fibres for infrared applications, and chalcogenide glass waveguide devices for all-optical signal processing. This section also discusses the control of light on the nanoscale with chalcogenide thin films, chalcogenide glass resists for lithography, and chalcogenide for phase change optical and electrical memories. The book concludes with an overview of chalcogenide glasses as electrolytes for batteries.Chalcogenide glasses comprehensively reviews the latest technological advances and applications of chalcogenide glasses, and is an essential text for academics, materials scientists and electrical engineers working in the photonics and optoelectronics industry. - Outlines preparation methods and properties, and explores applications of chalcogenide glasses. - Covers the ionic conductivity and physical aging of chalcogenide glasses, deposition techniques for chalcogenide thin films, and transparent chalcogenide glass-ceramics - Discusses the control of light on the nanoscale with chalcogenide thin films, chalcogenide glass resists for lithography, and chalcogenide for phase change optical and electrical memories

This handbook provides comprehensive treatment of the current state of glass science from the leading experts in the field. Opening with an enlightening contribution on the history of glass, the volume is then divided into eight parts. The first part covers fundamental properties, from the current understanding of the thermodynamics of the amorphous state, kinetics, and linear and nonlinear optical properties through colors, photosensitivity, and chemical durability. The second part provides dedicated chapters on each individual glass type, covering traditional systems like silicates and other oxide systems, as well as novel hybrid amorphous materials and spin glasses. The third part features detailed descriptions of modern characterization techniques for understanding this complex state of matter. The fourth part covers modeling, from first-principles calculations through molecular dynamics simulations, and statistical modeling. The fifth part presents a range of laboratory and industrial glass processing methods. The remaining parts cover a wide and representative range of applications areas from optics and photonics through environment, energy, architecture, and sensing. Written by the leading international experts in the field, the Springer Handbook of Glass represents an invaluable resource for graduate students through academic and industry researchers working in photonics, optoelectronics, materials science, energy, architecture, and more.

Crystallization is one of the most ancient and interdisciplinary topics of research known to mankind. Crystals can be organic or inorganic and may be produced from melts, liquid solutions, vapors or even in solid state. Notwithstanding its inherently high complexity, the crystallization process is part of our everyday lives, from ice making in our homes to the most state-of-the-art chemical and electronic industry. In this book, our purpose was to present new insights to the reader, as well as crucial and very useful information for researchers working in this field, while simultaneously creating a comprehensive text about crystallization processes which may serve as a starting point for people with different backgrounds.

Amorphous solids (including glassy and non-crystalline solids) are ubiquitous since the vast majority of solids naturally occurring in our world are amorphous. Although the field is diverse and complex, this three-volume set covers the vast majority of the important concepts needed to understand these materials and their principal practical applications. One volume discusses the most important subset of amorphous insulators, namely oxide glasses; the other two volumes discuss the most important subsets of amorphous semiconductors, namely tetrahedrally coordinated amorphous semiconductors and amorphous and glassy chalcogenides. Together these three volumes provide a comprehensive set of theoretical concepts and practical information needed to become conversant in the field of amorphous materials. They are suitable for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, and researchers wishing to change fields or sub-fields.The topics covered in these three volumes include (1) concepts for understanding the structures of amorphous materials, (2) techniques to characterize the structural, electronic, and optical properties of amorphous materials, (3) the roles of defects in affecting the electronic and optical properties of amorphous materials, and (4) the concepts for understanding practical devices and other applications of amorphous materials. Applications discussed in these volumes include transistors, solar cells, displays, bolometers, fibers, non-volatile memories, vidicons, photoresists, and optical disks.

This is introductory book for researchers, scientists and students in the area of organic and inorganic composite materials. This book has addressed timely the innovative topic "chalcogenide-multiwalled carbon nanotubes and chalcogenide-bilayer graphene" composite materials under a glassy regime. This book will give a clear idea on the concepts of the newly established composite materials area, by providing interpretations of inside physio-chemical mechanism. The remarkable landmark innovations related to this newly introduced research field are included in this book. Additionally, the possible futuristic applications in the area of nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, biomedical etc are also addressed.

Provides a semi-quantitative approach to recent developments in the study of optical properties of condensed matter systems Featuring contributions by noted experts in the field of electronic and optoelectronic materials and photonics, this book looks at the optical properties of materials as well as their physical processes and various classes. Taking a semi-quantitative approach to the subject, it presents a summary of the basic concepts, reviews recent developments in the study of optical properties of materials and offers many examples and applications. Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition starts by identifying the processes that should be described in detail and follows with the relevant classes of materials. In addition to featuring four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry, the book covers: optical properties of disordered condensed matter and glasses; concept of excitons; photoluminescence, photoinduced changes, and electroluminescence in noncrystalline semiconductors; and photoinduced bond breaking and volume change in chalcogenide glasses. Also included are chapters on: nonlinear optical properties of photonic glasses; kinetics of the persistent photoconductivity in crystalline III-V semiconductors; and transparent white OLEDs. In addition, readers will learn about excitonic processes in quantum wells; optoelectronic properties and applications of quantum dots; and more. Covers all of the fundamentals and applications of optical properties of materials Includes theory, experimental techniques, and current and developing applications Includes four new chapters on optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors, recent advances in electroluminescence, perovskites, and ellipsometry Appropriate for materials scientists, chemists, physicists and electrical engineers involved in development of electronic materials Written by internationally respected professionals working in physics and electrical engineering departments and government laboratories Optical Properties of Materials and Their Applications, 2nd Edition is an ideal book for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, and teaching and research professionals in the fields of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and materials engineering.