Lecture Notes in Nanoscale Science and Technology – serie

Nanotechnology is the result of the continuing technological trend toward device miniaturization and the characterization, manipulation, and fine control of structure and function at diminishing length scales. A large class of nanoscale materials can be stable even though they are far from the lowest-energy thermodynamic state, and many possess novel properties unattainable in bulk. These trends are supported by the increasing sophistication of characterization and fabrication tools such as the scanning tunneling microscope and the transmission electron microscope, which allow the resolution and manipulation of single atoms and molecules. Nanoscale Phenomena: Basic Science to Device Applications presents selected lectures from the Third Workshop of the Croucher Advanced Study Institute on Nano Science and Technology, and showcases contributions from world-renowned researchers. Chapters fall into four major categories: Nanostructured Carbon and its Applications, Quantum Dots and Molecular Spintronics, Nanomaterials Design and Synthesis, and Molecular Electronics.

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, including nanowires, nanotubes and quantum wires, have been regarded as the most promising building blocks for nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Worldwide efforts in both the theory and the experimental investigation of growth, characterization and applications of 1D nanostructures have resulted in a mature, multidisciplinary field. In this book, a wealth of state-of-the-art information offers the opportunity to uncover the underlying science from diverse perspectives. Leading researchers elucidate the synthesis and properties of 1D nanostructures for various morphologies and compositions (semiconductor, metal, carbon, etc.) as well as their considerable impact on spintronics, information storage, and the design of field-effect transistors.

In recent years, the field of self-assembled quantum dots has shown great promise for nanoscale applications in optoelectronics and quantum computing. Worldwide efforts in both theory and experimental investigations have driven the growth, characterization, and applications of quantum dots into an advanced multidisciplinary field. Written by leading experts in the field, Self-Assembled Quantum Dots provides up-to-date coverage of  carrier and spin dynamics and energy transfer and structural interaction among nanostructures. Topics also includes current device applications such as quantum dot lasers and detectors as well as future applications to quantum information processing.

Advanced probes and new fabrication techniques enable nanomaterials to pervade multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, engineering and biology. Na- materials have been extensively investigated with various kinds of morphologies (nanoparticles, nanowhiskers, nanorods, nanowires, nanoclusters, quantum dots, etc. ) and compositions (semiconductor, metal, polymer, etc. ). Impressive progress has been made on directed assembly and synthesis, structure, and property ch- acterization, as well as nanoscale device concepts and performance by a diverse group of experts. However, in spite of continued advancements in various aspects of functional nanomaterials, numerous challenges must still be overcome at different stages for practical applications to be realized. It seems that there is a need for a book in which individual research groups comprehensively review their up-to-date efforts and simulate further developments in other laboratories. Therefore, I believe that this book, which consists of twelve chapters from nine countries, is a timely undertaking."Fabrication of Oxide Nanoparticles by Ion Implantation and Thermal Oxi- tion" is an in-depth review of the formation of oxide nanoparticles by metal ion implantation and subsequent thermal oxidation. Amekura and Kishimoto believe that there is a potential for an "embedded" breakthrough in the eld of oxide nanoparticles similar to "Hache's nding of a breakthrough" in the eld of metal nanoparticles. In"DesignofSolution-GrownZnONanostructures",Pauporter ' eviews signi cant progress toward the growth of well-controlled ZnO nanostructures in solution. He argues that solution-based methods are cost-effective and that the resulting nanostructures are easy to scale up for applications.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are part of the so-called B-C-N material system, which includes novel nanostructures of carbon (C), doped-carbon, boron (B), boron nitride (BN), carbon nitride (CNx), boron-carbon nitride (BxCyNz), and boron carbide (BxCy). BNNTs and CNTs are structurally similar and share extraordinary mechanical properties, but they differ in chemical, biological, optical, and electrical properties. Therefore, hybrid nanotubes constructed of B, C, N elements are expected to form a new class of nanotubes with tunable properties between those of CNTs and BNNTs. In addition, these B-C-N nanostructures will further enhance and complement the applications of CNTs and BNNTs. With contributions from leading experts, B-C-N Nanotubes and Related Nanostructures is the first book to cover all theoretical and experimental aspects of this emerging material system, and meets the need for a comprehensive summary of the tremendous advances in research on B-C-N materials in recent years.

Nanotechnology is the result of the continuing technological trend toward device miniaturization and the characterization, manipulation, and fine control of structure and function at diminishing length scales. A large class of nanoscale materials can be stable even though they are far from the lowest-energy thermodynamic state, and many possess novel properties unattainable in bulk. These trends are supported by the increasing sophistication of characterization and fabrication tools such as the scanning tunneling microscope and the transmission electron microscope, which allow the resolution and manipulation of single atoms and molecules. Nanoscale Phenomena: Basic Science to Device Applications presents selected lectures from the Third Workshop of the Croucher Advanced Study Institute on Nano Science and Technology, and showcases contributions from world-renowned researchers. Chapters fall into four major categories: Nanostructured Carbon and its Applications, Quantum Dots and Molecular Spintronics, Nanomaterials Design and Synthesis, and Molecular Electronics.

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, including nanowires, nanotubes and quantum wires, have been regarded as the most promising building blocks for nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Worldwide efforts in both the theory and the experimental investigation of growth, characterization and applications of 1D nanostructures have resulted in a mature, multidisciplinary field. In this book, a wealth of state-of-the-art information offers the opportunity to uncover the underlying science from diverse perspectives. Leading researchers elucidate the synthesis and properties of 1D nanostructures for various morphologies and compositions (semiconductor, metal, carbon, etc.) as well as their considerable impact on spintronics, information storage, and the design of field-effect transistors.

In recent years, the field of self-assembled quantum dots has shown great promise for nanoscale applications in optoelectronics and quantum computing. Worldwide efforts in both theory and experimental investigations have driven the growth, characterization, and applications of quantum dots into an advanced multidisciplinary field. Written by leading experts in the field, Self-Assembled Quantum Dots provides up-to-date coverage of  carrier and spin dynamics and energy transfer and structural interaction among nanostructures. Topics also includes current device applications such as quantum dot lasers and detectors as well as future applications to quantum information processing.

The intersection of nanostructured materials with photonics and electronics shows great potential for clinical diagnostics, sensors, ultrafast telecommunication devices, and a new generation of compact and fast computers. Nanophotonics draws upon cross-disciplinary expertise from physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, biology, and medicine to create novel technologies to meet a variety of challenges. This is the first book to focus on novel materials and techniques relevant to the burgeoning area of nanoscale photonics and optoelectronics, including novel-hybrid materials with multifunctional capabilities and recent advancements in the understanding of optical interactions in nanoscale materials and quantum-confined objects. Leading experts provide a fundamental understanding of photonics and the related science and technology of plasmonics, polaritons, quantum dots for nanophotonics, nanoscale field emitters, near-field optics, nanophotonic architecture, and nanobiophotonic materials.

This is the third volume in a series of books on selected topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology based on lectures given at the well-known Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) schools of the same name.  The present set of notes stems in particular from the participation and dedication of prestigious lecturers, such as Nunzio Motta, Fulvia Patella, Alexandr Toropov, and Anna Sgarlata.  All lectures have been carefully edited and reworked, taking into account extensive follow-up discussions. A tutorial lecture by Motta et al. presents the analysis of the Poly(3-hexylthiophene) self assembly on carbon nanotubes and discusses how the interaction between the two materials forms a new hybrid nanostructure, with potential application to future solar cells technology.  In their contribution, Patella et al. review quantum dots of III-V compounds, which offer appealing perspectives for more sophisticated applications in new generation devices such as single-photon emitters for nano-photonics and quantum computing.  Focusing on self-assembled quantum dots, the chapter by Alexandr Toropov et al. provides a comprehensive review of some important aspects in the formation of quantum dots and presents the results of the authors’ extensive investigation of the features of droplet epitaxy.   The fourth contribution, by Sgarlata et al., focuses on recent progress toward controlled growth of self-assembled nanostructures, dealing with the shaping, ordering and localization in Ge/Si heteroepitaxy and reviewing recent results on the self-organization of Ge nanostructures at Si surfaces.

The intersection of nanostructured materials with photonics and electronics shows great potential for clinical diagnostics, sensors, ultrafast telecommunication devices, and a new generation of compact and fast computers. Nanophotonics draws upon cross-disciplinary expertise from physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, biology, and medicine to create novel technologies to meet a variety of challenges. This is the first book to focus on novel materials and techniques relevant to the burgeoning area of nanoscale photonics and optoelectronics, including novel-hybrid materials with multifunctional capabilities and recent advancements in the understanding of optical interactions in nanoscale materials and quantum-confined objects. Leading experts provide a fundamental understanding of photonics and the related science and technology of plasmonics, polaritons, quantum dots for nanophotonics, nanoscale field emitters, near-field optics, nanophotonic architecture, and nanobiophotonic materials.

This is the third volume in a series of books on selected topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology based on lectures given at the well-known Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) schools of the same name.  The present set of notes stems in particular from the participation and dedication of prestigious lecturers, such as Nunzio Motta, Fulvia Patella, Alexandr Toropov, and Anna Sgarlata.  All lectures have been carefully edited and reworked, taking into account extensive follow-up discussions. A tutorial lecture by Motta et al. presents the analysis of the Poly(3-hexylthiophene) self assembly on carbon nanotubes and discusses how the interaction between the two materials forms a new hybrid nanostructure, with potential application to future solar cells technology.  In their contribution, Patella et al. review quantum dots of III-V compounds, which offer appealing perspectives for more sophisticated applications in new generation devices such as single-photon emitters for nano-photonics and quantum computing.  Focusing on self-assembled quantum dots, the chapter by Alexandr Toropov et al. provides a comprehensive review of some important aspects in the formation of quantum dots and presents the results of the authors’ extensive investigation of the features of droplet epitaxy.   The fourth contribution, by Sgarlata et al., focuses on recent progress toward controlled growth of self-assembled nanostructures, dealing with the shaping, ordering and localization in Ge/Si heteroepitaxy and reviewing recent results on the self-organization of Ge nanostructures at Si surfaces.

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It  provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

Optoelectronics--technology based on applications light such as micro/nano quantum electronics, photonic devices, laser for measurements and detection--has become an important field of research. Many applications and physical problems concerning optoelectronics are analyzed in Optical Waveguiding and Applied Photonics.The book is organized in order to explain how to implement innovative sensors starting from basic physical principles. Applications such as cavity resonance, filtering, tactile sensors, robotic sensor, oil spill detection, small antennas and experimental setups using lasers are analyzed. Innovative materials such as nanocomposites are characterized, designed, and applied in order to provide new ideas about detection principles. As with many electric circuitries, light applications and architectures suffer from noising due to physical and transmission connections. The book illustrates some examples for practical issues. The theory and the nanotechnology facilities provide important tools for researchers working with sensing applications.

A quantum dot molecule (QDM) is composed of two or more closely spaced quantum dots or “artificial atoms.” In recent years, QDMs have received much attention as an emerging new artificial quantum system. The interesting and unique coupling and energy transfer processes between the “artificial atoms” could substantially extend the range of possible applications of quantum nanostructures. This book reviews recent advances in the exciting and rapidly growing field of QDMs via contributions from some of the most prominent researchers in this scientific community. The book explores many interesting topics such as the epitaxial growth of QDMs, spectroscopic characterization, and QDM transistors, and bridges between the fundamental physics of novel materials and device applications for future information technology. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are considered. Quantum Dot Molecules can be recommended for electrical engineering and materials science department courses on the science and design of advanced and future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

The third generation of solar cells includes those based on semiconductor quantum dots. This sophisticated technology applies nanotechnology and quantum mechanics theory to enhance the performance of ordinary solar cells. Although a practical application of quantum dot solar cells has yet to be achieved, a large number of theoretical calculations and experimental studies have confirmed the potential for meeting the requirement for ultra-high conversion efficiency. In this book, high-profile scientists have contributed tutorial chapters that outline the methods used in and the results of various quantum dot solar cell designs, including quantum dot intermediate band solar cells, hot electron quantum dot solar cells, quantum-dot sensitized solar cells, colloidal quantum dot solar cells, hybrid polymer-quantum dot solar cells, and MEG quantum dot solar cells. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are described. Quantum Dot Solar Cells helps to connect the fundamental laws of physics and the chemistry of materials with advances in device design and performance. The book can be recommended for a broad audience of chemists, electrical engineers, and materials scientists, and is suitable for use in courses on materials and device design for advanced and future optoelectronics.

Nanodroplets, the basis of complex and advanced nanostructures such as quantum rings, quantum dots and quantum dot clusters for future electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices, have attracted the interdisciplinary interest of chemists, physicists and engineers. This book combines experimental and theoretical analyses of nanosized droplets which reveal many attractive properties. Coverage includes nanodroplet synthesis, structure, unique behaviors and their nanofabrication, including chapters on focused ion beam, atomic force microscopy, molecular beam epitaxy and the "vapor-liquid- solid" route. Particular emphasis is given to the behavior of metallic nanodroplets, water nanodroplets and nanodroplets in polymer and metamaterial nanocomposites. The contributions of leading scientists and their research groups will provide readers with deeper insight into the chemical and physical mechanisms, properties, and potential applications of various nanodroplets.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are part of the so-called B-C-N material system, which includes novel nanostructures of carbon (C), doped-carbon, boron (B), boron nitride (BN), carbon nitride (CNx), boron-carbon nitride (BxCyNz), and boron carbide (BxCy). BNNTs and CNTs are structurally similar and share extraordinary mechanical properties, but they differ in chemical, biological, optical, and electrical properties. Therefore, hybrid nanotubes constructed of B, C, N elements are expected to form a new class of nanotubes with tunable properties between those of CNTs and BNNTs. In addition, these B-C-N nanostructures will further enhance and complement the applications of CNTs and BNNTs. With contributions from leading experts, B-C-N Nanotubes and Related Nanostructures is the first book to cover all theoretical and experimental aspects of this emerging material system, and meets the need for a comprehensive summary of the tremendous advances in research on B-C-N materials in recent years.

Advanced probes and new fabrication techniques enable nanomaterials to pervade multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, engineering and biology. Na- materials have been extensively investigated with various kinds of morphologies (nanoparticles, nanowhiskers, nanorods, nanowires, nanoclusters, quantum dots, etc. ) and compositions (semiconductor, metal, polymer, etc. ). Impressive progress has been made on directed assembly and synthesis, structure, and property ch- acterization, as well as nanoscale device concepts and performance by a diverse group of experts. However, in spite of continued advancements in various aspects of functional nanomaterials, numerous challenges must still be overcome at different stages for practical applications to be realized. It seems that there is a need for a book in which individual research groups comprehensively review their up-to-date efforts and simulate further developments in other laboratories. Therefore, I believe that this book, which consists of twelve chapters from nine countries, is a timely undertaking."Fabrication of Oxide Nanoparticles by Ion Implantation and Thermal Oxi- tion" is an in-depth review of the formation of oxide nanoparticles by metal ion implantation and subsequent thermal oxidation. Amekura and Kishimoto believe that there is a potential for an "embedded" breakthrough in the eld of oxide nanoparticles similar to "Hache's nding of a breakthrough" in the eld of metal nanoparticles. In"DesignofSolution-GrownZnONanostructures",Pauporter ' eviews signi cant progress toward the growth of well-controlled ZnO nanostructures in solution. He argues that solution-based methods are cost-effective and that the resulting nanostructures are easy to scale up for applications.

A quantum dot molecule (QDM) is composed of two or more closely spaced quantum dots or “artificial atoms.” In recent years, QDMs have received much attention as an emerging new artificial quantum system. The interesting and unique coupling and energy transfer processes between the “artificial atoms” could substantially extend the range of possible applications of quantum nanostructures. This book reviews recent advances in the exciting and rapidly growing field of QDMs via contributions from some of the most prominent researchers in this scientific community. The book explores many interesting topics such as the epitaxial growth of QDMs, spectroscopic characterization, and QDM transistors, and bridges between the fundamental physics of novel materials and device applications for future information technology. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are considered. Quantum Dot Molecules can be recommended for electrical engineering and materials science department courses on the science and design of advanced and future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It  provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

The third generation of solar cells includes those based on semiconductor quantum dots. This sophisticated technology applies nanotechnology and quantum mechanics theory to enhance the performance of ordinary solar cells. Although a practical application of quantum dot solar cells has yet to be achieved, a large number of theoretical calculations and experimental studies have confirmed the potential for meeting the requirement for ultra-high conversion efficiency. In this book, high-profile scientists have contributed tutorial chapters that outline the methods used in and the results of various quantum dot solar cell designs, including quantum dot intermediate band solar cells, hot electron quantum dot solar cells, quantum-dot sensitized solar cells, colloidal quantum dot solar cells, hybrid polymer-quantum dot solar cells, and MEG quantum dot solar cells. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are described. Quantum Dot Solar Cells helps to connect the fundamental laws of physics and the chemistry of materials with advances in device design and performance. The book can be recommended for a broad audience of chemists, electrical engineers, and materials scientists, and is suitable for use in courses on materials and device design for advanced and future optoelectronics.

Nanodroplets, the basis of complex and advanced nanostructures such as quantum rings, quantum dots and quantum dot clusters for future electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices, have attracted the interdisciplinary interest of chemists, physicists and engineers. This book combines experimental and theoretical analyses of nanosized droplets which reveal many attractive properties. Coverage includes nanodroplet synthesis, structure, unique behaviors and their nanofabrication, including chapters on focused ion beam, atomic force microscopy, molecular beam epitaxy and the "vapor-liquid- solid" route. Particular emphasis is given to the behavior of metallic nanodroplets, water nanodroplets and nanodroplets in polymer and metamaterial nanocomposites. The contributions of leading scientists and their research groups will provide readers with deeper insight into the chemical and physical mechanisms, properties, and potential applications of various nanodroplets.

This book captures cutting-edge research in semiconductor quantum dot devices, discussing preparation methods and properties, and providing a comprehensive overview of their optoelectronic applications. Quantum dots (QDs), with particle sizes in the nanometer range, have unique electronic and optical properties. They have the potential to open an avenue for next-generation optoelectronic methods and devices, such as lasers, biomarker assays, field effect transistors, LEDs, photodetectors, and solar concentrators. By bringing together leaders in the various application areas, this book is both a comprehensive introduction to different kinds of QDs with unique physical properties as well as their preparation routes, and a platform for knowledge sharing and dissemination of the latest advances in a novel area of nanotechnology.

This book captures cutting-edge research in semiconductor quantum dot devices, discussing preparation methods and properties, and providing a comprehensive overview of their optoelectronic applications. Quantum dots (QDs), with particle sizes in the nanometer range, have unique electronic and optical properties. They have the potential to open an avenue for next-generation optoelectronic methods and devices, such as lasers, biomarker assays, field effect transistors, LEDs, photodetectors, and solar concentrators. By bringing together leaders in the various application areas, this book is both a comprehensive introduction to different kinds of QDs with unique physical properties as well as their preparation routes, and a platform for knowledge sharing and dissemination of the latest advances in a novel area of nanotechnology.

This book outlines various synthetic approaches, tuneable physical properties, and device applications of core/shell quantum dots (QDs). Core/shell QDs have exhibited enhanced quantum yield (QY), suppressed photobleaching/blinking, and significantly improved photochemical/physical stability as compared to conventional bare QDs. The core-shell structure also promotes the easy tuning of QDs’ band structure, leading to their employment as attractive building blocks in various optoelectronic devices. The main objective of this book is to create a platform for knowledge sharing and dissemination of the latest advances in novel areas of core/shell QDs and relevant devices, and to provide a comprehensive introduction and directions for further research in this growing area of nanomaterials research.

This book outlines various synthetic approaches, tuneable physical properties, and device applications of core/shell quantum dots (QDs). Core/shell QDs have exhibited enhanced quantum yield (QY), suppressed photobleaching/blinking, and significantly improved photochemical/physical stability as compared to conventional bare QDs. The core-shell structure also promotes the easy tuning of QDs’ band structure, leading to their employment as attractive building blocks in various optoelectronic devices. The main objective of this book is to create a platform for knowledge sharing and dissemination of the latest advances in novel areas of core/shell QDs and relevant devices, and to provide a comprehensive introduction and directions for further research in this growing area of nanomaterials research.

Nanotechnology has been established in membrane technology for decades. In this book, comprehensive coverage is given to nanotechnology applications in synthetic membrane processes, which are used in different fields such as water treatment, separation of gases, the food industry, military use, drug delivery, air filtration, and green chemistry. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers are contributing to the development of more efficient and cost-effective water filtration processes. Gas separation and carbon capture can be significantly improved in flue gas applications. Nanoporous membrane systems engineered to mimic natural filtration systems are being actively developed for use in smart implantable drug delivery systems, bio artificial organs, and other novel nano-enabled medical devices. The microscopic structure of nanoporous ceramic membranes, mainly focusing on zeolite materials, as well as the energy-saving effect of membrane separation, contribute to various chemical synthesis processes. In the food industry, nanotechnology has the potential to create new tools for pathogen detection and packaging. For each application, nanotechnology is mostly used to make composite membranes, and the book provides a detailed look at the mechanisms by which the composite membrane works in each application area.

Nanotechnology has been established in membrane technology for decades. In this book, comprehensive coverage is given to nanotechnology applications in synthetic membrane processes, which are used in different fields such as water treatment, separation of gases, the food industry, military use, drug delivery, air filtration, and green chemistry. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers are contributing to the development of more efficient and cost-effective water filtration processes. Gas separation and carbon capture can be significantly improved in flue gas applications. Nanoporous membrane systems engineered to mimic natural filtration systems are being actively developed for use in smart implantable drug delivery systems, bio artificial organs, and other novel nano-enabled medical devices. The microscopic structure of nanoporous ceramic membranes, mainly focusing on zeolite materials, as well as the energy-saving effect of membrane separation, contribute to various chemical synthesis processes. In the food industry, nanotechnology has the potential to create new tools for pathogen detection and packaging. For each application, nanotechnology is mostly used to make composite membranes, and the book provides a detailed look at the mechanisms by which the composite membrane works in each application area.