The basics of nanoscience and the origin of physical properties at the nanoscale are clearly discussed in the 12 chapters in this book, aiming for a balance between depth and understanding. Theories behind fundamental nanoscience concepts are linked with real applications. This book is useful for students in physics, materials science, and chemistry.
The first chapter gives a brief introduction to nanotechnology, length scales of materials, and the structure of the remaining chapters in this book. The second chapter discusses the basics of solid-state physics such as theory of free electrons and different types of lattices. The third chapter talks about metals, semiconductors, and insulators with their band structure and models. Preparation of doped semiconductors employing ion implantation (with experimental setup), magnetic semiconductors, and topological insulators are discussed briefly. The fourth chapter is dedicated to the various processes to prepare nanomaterials, device fabrication tools, and characterizing tools.
The fifth chapter explains various defects and interactions between different species in materials. In the sixth chapter, electronic transport and magnetic influences (e.g., the Hall effect) in micron- and nanoscale materials are examined with the help of classical and quantum mechanical treatments. The seventh chapter covers the fundamentals and applications of magnetism, characterization of magnetic properties down to small scales, and magnetoelectronic devices. The eighth chapter deals with the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, photonics technology, and nonlinear effects.
The ninth chapter discusses applications and characteristics of micro- and nanomaterials in dynamic mechanical devices. Probing the local interactions of matter employing scanning probe microscopy, micromechanical systems, and application of microelectromechanical systems are discussed with the experimental setup and their functionality. Chapter 10 briefly discusses fluid dynamics at the micro- and nanoscale and applications. Different types of flow in various structures such as laminar flow, surface interactions, and electrolytes are explained with beautiful diagrams and real images. Applications of nanofluids and microfluidic devices such as flow sensors are discussed in the second half of the chapter.
Chapter 11 covers the relevance of nanotechnology to biology, including detection, and monitoring of biological information. The last chapter discusses the realistic near-future applications of nanotechnology in materials science and in the energy, electronics, information technology, and biology industries, as well as hazards and dangers. References are very relevant and up to date. At the end of each chapter are several exercise problems.
Fundamentals of nanotechnology and its applications are well discussed in this book. I strongly recommend this book to all undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in nanotechnology.
Reviewer: K. Kamala Bharathiis with the National Institute of Standards and Technology/University of Maryland, USA.
