Nanoscale science and technology is a young, promising field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials science. With rapid advances in areas such as molecular electronics, synthetic biomolecular motors, DNA-based self-assembly, and manipulation of individual atoms, nanotechnology has captured the attention and imagination of researchers and the general public.

This book presents recent research in the field of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting in which intentionally designed nonlinearities as well as inherently present are widely considered. It provides an overview of the state-of-the-art, with a sharp classification into linear and nonlinear devices, and recalls the fundamentals of piezoelectricity and magnetostatics. A detailed treatment of linear and nonlinear mathematical modeling of piezoelectric harvesters is then developed to provide the reader with a wide range of modeling possibilities. Theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to modeling the magnetic interaction are also provided. Several cases of innovative piezoelectric harvester designs based on magnetic interaction as a frequency up-conversion mechanism (FuC) are developed. Improvements of the magnetic FuC are proposed, in combination with indirect impacts as well as the manipulation of magnetic forces with novelty methods. Novel studies on the magnetic interaction itself and its implications for the dynamic behavior of the harvester are also summarized. The book provides an integrated view of theoretical, computational, and experimental research in this field, as such it can be useful for researchers interested in linear and nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvesting, for graduate courses on smart structures and devices, microsystems, and for designers.

This book describes unified image-based measurement methods (theories, numerical methods, and algorithms) to determine the important physical quantities of complex flows in engineering and natural systems, including velocity, pressure, temperature, heat transfer, and skin friction. It presents a systematical study of the inverse problems in global flow diagnostics in a unified framework of the variational formulations. The authors further illustrate the main physical quantities in fluid mechanics, including velocity, pressure, skin friction and surface heat flux, extracted from flow visualization images obtained in experiments and observations. The developed methods are applicable in various image-based flow measurements in diverse disciplines ranging from fluid mechanics/aerodynamics to plenary sciences.

This handbook provides a comprehensive review of the entire field of laser micro and nano processing, including not only a detailed introduction to individual laser processing techniques but also the fundamentals of laser-matter interaction and lasers, optics, equipment, diagnostics, as well as monitoring and measurement techniques for laser processing. Consisting of 11 sections, each composed of 4 to 6 chapters written by leading experts in the relevant field. Each main part of the handbook is supervised by its own part editor(s) so that high-quality content as well as completeness are assured.

Since 2004 and with the 2nd edition in 2006, the Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology has established itself as the definitive reference in the nanoscience and nanotechnology area. It integrates the knowledge from nanofabrication, nanodevices, nanomechanics, Nanotribology, materials science, and reliability engineering in just one volume. Beside the presentation of nanostructures, micro/nanofabrication, and micro/nanodevices, special emphasis is on scanning probe microscopy, nanotribology and nanomechanics, molecularly thick films, industrial applications and microdevice reliability, and on social aspects.

The comprehensive reference and textbook serves as a timely, practical introduction to the principles of nanotribology and nanomechanics. Assuming some familiarity with macroscopic tribology, the book comprises chapters by internationally recognized experts, who integrate knowledge of the field from the mechanics and materials-science perspectives. They cover key measurement techniques, their applications, and theoretical modelling of interfaces, each beginning their contributions with macro- and progressing to microconcepts.

This indispensable handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels – from synthesis and characterization to cutting-edge applications and their potential market impact. Built upon Springer’s successful Aerogels Handbook published in 2011, this handbook features extensive revisions and timely updates, reflecting the changes in this fast-growing field.

This book describes unified image-based measurement methods (theories, numerical methods, and algorithms) to determine the important physical quantities of complex flows in engineering and natural systems, including velocity, pressure, temperature, heat transfer, and skin friction. It presents a systematical study of the inverse problems in global flow diagnostics in a unified framework of the variational formulations. The authors further illustrate the main physical quantities in fluid mechanics, including velocity, pressure, skin friction and surface heat flux, extracted from flow visualization images obtained in experiments and observations. The developed methods are applicable in various image-based flow measurements in diverse disciplines ranging from fluid mechanics/aerodynamics to plenary sciences.

This book focuses on the numerous energy harvesting techniques and their system implementation towards the fulfilment of energy requirements in compact electronic devices. These cover a wide range of applications in portable devices, bio-medical services, agriculture needs, mechanical systems, sensor networks, automobiles, food sector, home appliances, industry needs, etc. The authors detail energy harvesting methods using the latest technologies in acoustics, bio-chemical, thermal, artificial light, fluid flow, vibrations, EM energy, RF energy, piezoelectric, electrostatic, photovoltaic, thermoelectric, hybrid harvesting, ultrasonic, infrared, light, wind, and solar. The book is intended for researchers, academics, professionals, and students in energy harvesting.

This book highlights the optical properties of metal oxides at both the fundamental and applied level and their use in various applications. The book offers a basic understanding of the optical properties and related spectroscopic techniques essential for anyone interested in learning about metal oxide nanostructures. This is partly due to the fact that optical properties are closely associated with other properties and functionalities (e.g., electronic, magnetic, and thermal), which are of essential significance to many technological applications, such as optical data communications, imaging, lighting, and displays, life sciences, health care, security, and safety. The book also highlights the fundamentals and systematic developments in various optical techniques to achieve better characterization, cost-effective, user-friendly approaches, and most importantly, state-of-the-art developing methodologies for various scientific and technological applications. It provides an adequate understanding of the imposed limitations and highlights the prospects and challenges associated with optical analytical methods to achieve the desired performance in targeted applications.

This book highlights a comprehensive understanding of the fabrication and growth of carbon nanostructures via the arc discharge process. Its content is designed to benefit academicians, students, researchers, scientists, and readers who are interested in gaining knowledge in this area. The book presents findings on the arc discharge process and provide detailed information on the optimal state and energy of carbon ions in arc discharge plasma, observed under different pressures and ambient environments. The contents presented here can be applied to enhance the performance of various applications. This book provides a valuable resource for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the arc discharge process and the growth of carbon nanostructures, with practical applications in industries such as electronics, semiconductors, and energy storage.

Mechanics Over Micro and Nano Scales covers the recent developments in the fields of mechanics in all forms over micro, meso and nano scales. Special emphasis is given to related novel applications and includes fundamental aspects of fluid and solid mechanics, soft matters, scaling laws, and synthetic biology. At the micro and nano scales, realization of many technologically viable ideas relies on the skillful integration of mechanics at macroscopic and molecular levels, both for solids as well as fluids. Research in the related areas is no longer confined to the understanding of the governing the physics of the system, but is also responsible for triggering a technological revolution at small scales.

This handbook provides a comprehensive review of the entire field of laser micro and nano processing, including not only a detailed introduction to individual laser processing techniques but also the fundamentals of laser-matter interaction and lasers, optics, equipment, diagnostics, as well as monitoring and measurement techniques for laser processing. Consisting of 11 sections, each composed of 4 to 6 chapters written by leading experts in the relevant field. Each main part of the handbook is supervised by its own part editor(s) so that high-quality content as well as completeness are assured.

Since 2004 and with the 2nd edition in 2006, the Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology has established itself as the definitive reference in the nanoscience and nanotechnology area. It integrates the knowledge from nanofabrication, nanodevices, nanomechanics, Nanotribology, materials science, and reliability engineering in just one volume. Beside the presentation of nanostructures, micro/nanofabrication, and micro/nanodevices, special emphasis is on scanning probe microscopy, nanotribology and nanomechanics, molecularly thick films, industrial applications and microdevice reliability, and on social aspects.

This book presents state-of-the-art technologies, trends and applications with a focus on the healthcare domain for ultra-wideband (3.1–10.6 GHz) and 60 GHz (57–66 GHz) wireless communication systems. Due to various key features such as miniaturized antenna design, low power, high data rate, less effects on the human body, relatively less crowded spectrum, these technologies are becoming popular in various fields of biomedical applications and day-to-day life.