This book presents the peridynamic theory, which provides the capability for improved modeling of progressive failure in materials and structures, and paves the way for addressing multi-physics and multi-scale problems. The book provides students and researchers with a theoretical and practical knowledge of the peridynamic theory and the skills required to analyze engineering problems. The text may be used in courses such as Multi-physics and Multi-scale Analysis, Nonlocal Computational Mechanics, and Computational Damage Prediction. Sample algorithms for the solution of benchmark problems are available so that the reader can modify these algorithms, and develop their own solution algorithms for specific problems. Students and researchers will find this book an essential and invaluable reference on the topic.

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.

The structure of this text is simple and transparent, enabling the easy mapping of the text onto a one-semester course syllabus and the attendant study. There are 8 chapters total and one three-part appendix. Throughout the text the student finds numerous examples (solved problems) reaching from cosmic to molecular evolution or from cloud formation to Bose condensation.