Purusottam Jena - Böcker

This comprehensive book on Nanoclusters comprises sixteen authoritative chapters written by leading researchers in the field. It provides insight into topics that are currently at the cutting edge of cluster science, with the main focus on metal and metal compound systems that are of particular interest in materials science, and also on aspects related to biology and medicine. While there are numerous books on clusters, the focus on clusters as a bridge across disciplines sets this book apart from others.

Delivers cutting edge coverage of cluster science

Covers a broad range of topics in physics, chemistry, and materials science

Written by leading researchers in the field

This book covers the synthesis and characterization of materials with atomic dimension. These include atomic clusters, nanostructured materials, multilayers and one-dimensional arrays. The effect of reduced size and dimensionality on electronic, magnetic, optical and catalytic properties and the technological prospects of atomically engineered materials is highlighted.

This book deals with the evolution of the properties of clusters, nanostructures and cluster-based materials, with emphasis on the role of the interface. These materials are characterized by reduced size, dimension and symmetry, and possess many novel properties that are not commonly seen in their bulk phases. The topics include synthesis, nucleation, growth, characterization, atomic and electronic structure, dynamics, ultra-fast spectroscopy, stability; electrical, magnetic, optical, thermodynamic and catalytic properties of clusters (free and supported); cluster materials (self-assembled, ligated and embedded); nanostructures (quantum dots, wells and corrals; nanotubes and wires; colloidal and biological materials) and nano-technology (electronic, magnetic and optical devices). In addition to presenting the current status of the field, the book discusses outstanding problems and future directions.

While the field of clusters and nano-structures in the physical sciences has been actively pursued only over the past two decades, nature has known the benefits of the nanoscale for a very long time. The focus of the International Symposium on Clusters and Nano-Assemblies: Physical and Biological Systems was to explore ways in which an understanding of the unique properties of nano-scale biological systems such as proteins, enzyme reactions, RNA, and DNA can help us design novel materials composed of inorganic nano-scale systems, and how techniques developed in the physical sciences can lead to a fundamental understanding of biological systems. Bringing together the expert contributions from the conference, this book deals with the fundamental science and technology of atomic clusters, nano-structures and their assemblies in physical and biological systems. It explores in fascinating detail the manner in which finite size, low dimensionality, and reduced symmetry affect the properties of nano-assemblies.