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.

A Quantum system can be viewed as a larger closed system comprising of two components: an open quantum system and its surrounding environment. These two components interact with each other, and in the realm of theoretical physics, this interaction cannot be neglected. This eBook explains mathematical and statistical concepts essential for describing a realistic quantum system by presenting recent contributions in this field. The book commences by explaining of the basics of quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and physics of open quantum systems. Detailed methods of deriving theoretical equations with explicit analytical coefficients with respect to open quantum systems are also explained. The book concludes with the study of a quantum heat converter in the framework of an all-microscopic theory involving fermions, photons, and phonons. Readers of this book will gain a better understanding on the following topics: • Quantum mechanics including the Boson and Fermion states, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, spin-statistics relation, many-body systems of Bosons and Fermions, the Fermi-Dirac integrals of the Fermion state densities, and transport phenomena in semiconductors • Dissipative dynamics and quantum systems such as friction, diffusion, friction-diffusion relation, mobility, occupation probability dynamics, damping, spectral width, correlation and autocorrelation, memory, stability, bifurcation, self-organization, and chaos • Lindblad’s theory of open quantum systems through the work of Alicki and Lendi • Quantum tunneling as an interaction with a system. • Optical bistability, including the fundamental contributions of Carmichael, McCall, and Bonifacio. • Master equations based on the microscopic theory of Ford, Lewis, and O’Connell. • Field propagation in a semiconductor structure • Coherent light propagation in the framework of a microscopic model including the refractive index and the Raman frequency shift. • Heat conversion in the framework of an all-microscopic model of open queantum systems • Entropy dynamics in a matter field system.

The second volume of this book series presents a foundation for describing electron-field interactions, the basic elements involved in open quantum theory, the dissipative couplings of the active elements, the quantum injection dot electrons and coherent electromagnetic fields produced by crystal lattice vibrations. A microscopic description of the systems of interest is used to explain a number of structural models that describe electron arrangement and mechanics in such systems. The explanation of these models depends on a number of numerical parameters and calculations which have been explicitly discussed in detail. Readers will gain a better understanding of open quantum systems and energy conversion in semiconductor devices. Theoretical calculations presented in this book can also be compared with experimental data from prior experiments. The volume is also supplemented by an adequate bibliography which provides useful references. This book is a handy text on advanced quantum theory for advanced physics and electronics students and researchers.

This volume presents a clear understanding of the quantum mechanics of particles with reference to the current understanding of theory of relativity, gravitation, and electromagnetism, including essential phenomena as spin, the graviton spin, black holes, and the quantum particle states in the extreme conditions of a black hole formation, and of the Schwarzschild boundary. The reader is introduced to the recent theory of the quantum particle dynamics as a distribution of matter propagating with the velocity of the waves. The text describes this distribution by a Fourier space-time series expansion, which we call the wave function. The subsequent chapters delve into the mechanics of quantum particles in a gravitational field, charged particles in a gravitational field and finally, the least action and matter-field dynamics in a gravitational field. The book also explains important rules in quantum mechanics such as the mass quantization rule, Dirac’s formulation of the general theory of relativity, electromagnetic field theory, quantum particle interactions and more. The volume serves as a concise introduction to the complex topic of quantum particle mechanics for scholars involved in advanced physics courses.

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.