This brief monograph provides reports on liquid crystal materials used for specific devices designed for industrial applications. The authors of each chapter present insights on the design and technical aspects of the manufacturing of advanced liquid crystal light modulators reflecting their experience in advanced liquid crystal materials science. Chapters in the book first introduce readers to the chemistry and basic materials science of liquid crystal light modulators with information important for practical situations such as custom manufacturing and material quality assessment (including the determination of Frank elastic constants). Subsequent chapters cover a selection of interesting projects where liquid crystal light modulators are applied, such as: a highly transparent, laser damage resistant liquid crystal phase modulators for space-borne laser rangefinders; a dynamic optical filter designed for visualization of air pollution; a high contrast, fast operating, outdoor light shutter for the eye protection of welders. Readers will gain an awareness of the peculiarities of the liquid crystalline matter, along with the complexity of the design and fabrication of active optical elements, as the information provided in this volume presents detailed practical results of the liquid crystal technology projects.

This volume describes the advanced research on the behavior of electrons in ionized atoms and molecules. Readers will learn about relevant techniques used and experimental results for different electron and molecular theories. The information presented in the book is useful for scholars and researchers involved in nuclear and atomic physics programs. Topics covered in the volume include: -Ionization experiments -Kinetic energy studies of photoexcited carbon dichloride and tetrachloride molecules -Selective excision of biomolecules in electron transfer experiments -Particle and antiparticle collisions with rare gases -Multiple scattering in electron Rutherford scattering spectroscopy -Four-body effects in the 6He58 +58Ni scattering -Twin atoms from doubly excited states of the hydrogen molecule

This book is a compilation of the latest theoretical methods for treating models in nuclear reactions. Initial chapters in this volume explain different aspects of time-dependent nuclear density functional theory, such as numerical calculations, density constrained models, multinucleon transfer reactions, and superfluid time dependent density functional theory. In addition, the volume also presents chapters covering other topics in nuclear physics, such as quantum molecular dynamics, cluster models in stable and unstable nuclei, chain structure theory in light nuclei, many-body systems and more. The volume is intended as a guidebook for graduate students and researchers to understand recent theories used in applied nuclear particle physics and astrology.

From the beginning of this century, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in the study of surface plasmon polaritons-based metallic subwavelength structures and learning. This is a refreshing concise book on issues and considerations in designing, nanofabrication and characterization of subwavelength plasmonic structures as well as their applications in imaging, superfocusing, semiconductor lasers, data storage, optical communications, biosensing, and immunoassays. The book can serve as a textbook for education and training as well as a reference book that aids research and development in those areas integrating light, photonics, nanotechnology, semiconductors, chemistry, and biology. Another aim of the book is to stimulate the interest of researchers, engineers, and businessmen to foster collaboration through multidisciplinary programs in this frontier science, leading to development and transition of the resulting technology. Both basic and applied aspects are presented in this book. Many illustrative worked-out examples and instructive exercises are given, which should prove to be particularly useful.

Natural elements and cosmic phenomena in space, such as asteroids, comets, meteors, black holes and super bubbles pose a threat to the planet Earth and spacefarers in the near-Earth environment. Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Space Dangers describes these dangers in the near-Earth outer space environment. The uniquely risky nature of rocket transportation is documented and quantified. The human health consequences for vision, muscles, and the neurovestibular system, for instance, on exposure to an outer space environment, are also explained in this book. Readers will benefit from the extensive information offered within this text which is also accompanied with a bibliography of references. This book offers a comprehensive primer for anyone interested in space travel and associated risk assessment.

The book presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the context of quantum physics experiments and the function of the human mind that makes it possible to demonstrate that an object-based model of reality formed at the level of the unconscious is the basis of our worldview. The consciousness experiences a ''time flow'' because of the specific features of perception in the form of a model with a sequential fixation of events. Together with the need to relate objects in terms of the model, this generates a space-time representation of the world around us. Acceptance of a mental character of our construct of reality allows for resolution of the problems in quantum physics and its paradoxes, thereby opening the way to an insight into reality. The presented material is organized in a specific order to facilitate the reader's understanding. First, the fact that if there are no objects in the area of quantum mechanics, then they belong to the corresponding model rather than the reality is proved by case studies of the most discussed and relevant paradoxes of quantum physics. The authors consider a topological variant in constructing an object-based space that describes the physical properties of an object that are the most verified in science and describable with mathematical relations. The functionality of the proposed construct is tested by deriving the ''laws'' of conservation of energy and momentum in a relativistic form. The book is oriented towards experts in physics and psychology, advanced students, and readers interested in state-of-the-art science and the philosophy connected to it.

In this book, scientists present the latest trends and research in the broad field of photonics and photonic materials applications. The 14 chapters are categorized into tracks that give a snapshot of the field including basic sciences (photonics, plasmonics, advanced optics, nanophotonics) and applications (renewable energy, fiber-optics, lasers and smart materials). The book starts with a summary of recent developments in photonic crystal (PC) applications. This introduction is followed by chapters that present design concepts and investigations of PC devices such as: - All-optical XOR gates using 2D photonic crystals - One-dimensional PCs containing germanium (Ge). - Graphene surface plasmonics - Nanophotonics and fiber-optic lasers - Chalcogenides - Bragg Fibers and more The broad range of topics make this an informative source on current and exciting photonics research, and the variety of photonic materials. It serves as a reference for graduate scholars (in physics and materials science) and allied researchers who have a keen interest in photonics.

Practical Handbook of Thermal Fluid Science is an essential guide for engineering students to practical experiments and methods in fluid mechanics. It presents the topic of practical fluid physics in a simple, clear manner by introducing the fundamentals of carrying out experiments and operational analysis of systems that are based on fluid flow. The information enables readers to relate principles in thermal fluid science with the real world operation of important instruments that greatly impact our daily life, such as power generators, air conditioners, refrigerators, engines, flow meters, airplanes, among others. Key Features: - A simple organized chapter layout that focuses on fundamental and practical information about thermal fluid science experiments and equipment - Provides an introduction to essential knowledge for analysis and evaluation of practical systems and major inventions - Presents information about analysis of operating data for power plant efficiency - Detailed chapters for studying and testing wind tunnels, sphere heating/cooling, pipe flow, engines, and refrigerators/heat pumps are provided - Experimental data of Venturi and orifice plate flow meters are provided to show step by step calibration and experimentation. - Presents information on report preparation - Includes multiple appendices to consolidate practical information for readers for quick reference.

Terraforming is the process of modifying a planet, moon, or other body to a more habitable atmosphere, temperature, or ecology. The idea of terraforming or colonizing other planets has recently become a topic of intense scientific interest and public debate. Geoengineering and terraforming, at their core, have the same goal: to enhance or revive the ability of a specific environment to support human life, society, and industry. New Worlds: Colonizing Planets, Moons and Beyond examines extra-terrestrial colonization plans with a critical eye. The ten chapters of the book provide a detailed review of the demographic and economic reasons behind this space imperative, technical and ecological solutions to improve the settlement of our own planet, enhancements of our current space industry. The book also covers interesting topics such as the terraformation of Mars, the moon, and other planets like Venus, colonizing the outer solar system (and beyond), and the ethical considerations in favor of space expansion. This simple, yet informative treatise is an essential read for anyone interested in the subject of space colonization.

Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics gives elementary understanding of nuclear and particle physics. The textbook offers an overview of the subject, providing students with a basic understanding about 1) the atomic structure and the nucleus, 2) equipment such as particle detectors, particle accelerators, and nuclear reactors, 3) radioactivity, and 4) elementary particles. Each chapter provides fundamental theoretical and experimental knowledge required for students to strengthen their concepts. Other key features of the book include: - Structured chapters designed for easy reading and stimulating interest for learners - Sophisticated figures - Thoroughly solved equations - Bibliographic references for further reading - Updated information about different types of nuclear reactors - Information about nuclear astrophysics Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics is suitable for introductory undergraduate courses in nuclear physics as well as more innovative courses geared towards nuclear engineering.