Nanocrystals research has been an area of significant interest lately, due to the wide variety of potential applications in semiconductor, optical and biomedical fields. This book consists of a collection of research work on nanocrystals processing and characterization of their structural, optical, electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties. Various methods for nanocrystals synthesis are discussed in the book. Size-dependent properties such as quantum confinement, superparamagnetism have been observed in semiconductor and magnetic nanoparticles. Nanocrystals incorporated into different material systems have proven to possess improved properties. A review of the exciting outcomes nanoparticles study has provided indicates further accomplishments in the near future.

Plasmonics gives researchers in universities and industries and designers an overview of phenomena enabled by artificially designed metamaterials and their application for plasmonic devices. The purpose of this book is to provide a detailed introduction to the basic modeling approaches and an overview of enabled innovative phenomena. The main research agenda of this book is aimed at the study of modeling techniques and novel functionalities such as plasmonic enhancement of solar cell efficiency, plasmonics in sensing, etc. The topics addressed in this book cover the major strands: theory, modeling and design, applications in practical devices, fabrication, characterization, and measurement. It is worthwhile mentioning that the strategic objectives of developing new artificial functional materials require close cooperation of the research in each subarea.

Intelligent system is an advanced machine that can perceive, learn, and solve the problems with a great accuracy. Technologies with intelligent system are currently available in the market and used in real-world applications, i.e., self-driving cars, Siri, Alexa, Facebook, and so on. To exceed human cognitive capabilities, the important keys rely on the development of sensors and algorithms. Therefore, the insight into artificial intelligence (AI) methods becomes a fundamental building block for design and construction of intelligent system with particular applications. This book aims to describe the AI systems ranging from the basic knowledge, i.e., algorithm and mathematical models of AI techniques, fundamentals of machine learning, genetic algorithm, and fuzzy logic, to the current state-of-the-art applications, such as smart road and biomedical applications.

An interdisciplinary guide to the newest solar cell technology for efficient renewable energy Rational Design of Solar Cells for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion explores the development of the most recent solar technology and materials used to manufacture solar cells in order to achieve higher solar energy conversion efficiency. The text offers an interdisciplinary approach and combines information on dye-sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and quantum dot solar cells. The text contains contributions from noted experts in the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. The authors review the development of components such as photoanodes, sensitizers, electrolytes, and photocathodes for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells. In addition, the text puts the focus on the design of material assemblies to achieve higher solar energy conversion. This important resource: Offers a comprehensive review of recent developments in solar cell technology Includes information on a variety of solar cell materials and devices, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells Contains a thorough approach beginning with the fundamental material characterization and concluding with real-world device application. Presents content from researchers in multiple fields of study such as physicists, engineers, and material scientists Written for researchers, scientists, and engineers in university and industry laboratories, Rational Design of Solar Cells for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion offers a comprehensive review of the newest developments and applications of solar cells with contributions from a range of experts in various disciplines.

Papers presented at the International Conference on Functional Materials and Devices 2005 (ICFMD-2005), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 6th-8th June 2005