Recent developments in gravity-superconductivity interactions have been summarized by several researchers. If gravitation has to be eventually reconciled with quantum mechanics, the macroscopic quantum character of superconductors might actually matter. This e-book attempts to answer one key question relating to gravity research: Is it possible to generate gravity-like fields by condensed-matter systems, in conditions accessible in a laboratory? General Relativity and lowest-order Quantum Gravity predict in this case very small emission rates, so these phenomena can only become relevant if some strong quantum effect occurs. This e-book is unique in its genre as it maintains a careful balance between different techniques and approaches in gravity and superconductivity research. It will be of interest for researchers in General Relativity and gravitation theories, in field theory, in experimental gravitation, in low-temperature and high-temperature superconductivity and in more applied fields such as telecommunications and beam propulsion technology.

The phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid is believed to be a function of fluid-wall interaction. This theory is based on the assumption that under certain conditions a real fluid does not usually slip on the wall in contact with it and displays laminar flow. This set of conditions is known as a ‘no slip boundary condition’. But if a fluid is passed alongside a wall, the drag reduction in the laminar flow region can be calculated. In Laminar Drag Reduction, the frictional drag of an internal or an external fluid flow along a certain kind of hydrophobic wall is investigated. An analytic approach towards the mechanism of drag reduction is employed using Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness equations. The experimental results presented in this book show that frictional drag of a fluid alongside this hydrophobic wall decreases in comparison with fluid flow along a conventional wall or surface. This form of laminar drag reduction represents a relatively new area of research, where the laminar flow can be controlled by microscopic surface modifications, allowing fluid flows to slip over a wall. Laminar Drag Reduction brings information about some interesting phenomena related to fluid slippage on a highly water-repellent surface. Readers, physics graduates and senior researchers alike, can benefit from the information presented in this book to tackle more challenging questions in fluid mechanics research.

This brief monograph provides reports on liquid crystal materials used for specific devices designed for industrial applications. The authors of each chapter present insights on the design and technical aspects of the manufacturing of advanced liquid crystal light modulators reflecting their experience in advanced liquid crystal materials science. Chapters in the book first introduce readers to the chemistry and basic materials science of liquid crystal light modulators with information important for practical situations such as custom manufacturing and material quality assessment (including the determination of Frank elastic constants). Subsequent chapters cover a selection of interesting projects where liquid crystal light modulators are applied, such as: a highly transparent, laser damage resistant liquid crystal phase modulators for space-borne laser rangefinders; a dynamic optical filter designed for visualization of air pollution; a high contrast, fast operating, outdoor light shutter for the eye protection of welders. Readers will gain an awareness of the peculiarities of the liquid crystalline matter, along with the complexity of the design and fabrication of active optical elements, as the information provided in this volume presents detailed practical results of the liquid crystal technology projects.

A novel X-ray diffraction (XRD) theory is intensively revealed in this book. The theory will extend present XRD view from one dimension to two and three dimensions, enabling readers to see the invisible characteristics inside materials. The two-dimension (2D) theory involves two angular variables of the Bragg angle Θ and the angle α, introduced to show the location of sample with respect to incident X-ray beam. Such variables are used to compose a set of general mathematical models, which include a general diffraction intensity equation, an azimuth-angle equation and a common scan mode, as well as the Bragg equation, for both of the surface-and transmission-reflection treatments. This book stresses upon the X-ray analyses for natural and synthetic materials. This book is dedicated to create a bridge between basic texts and specialist works and should be helpful to scholars studying XRD theory.

Terraforming is the process of modifying a planet, moon, or other body to a more habitable atmosphere, temperature, or ecology. The idea of terraforming or colonizing other planets has recently become a topic of intense scientific interest and public debate. Geoengineering and terraforming, at their core, have the same goal: to enhance or revive the ability of a specific environment to support human life, society, and industry. New Worlds: Colonizing Planets, Moons and Beyond examines extra-terrestrial colonization plans with a critical eye. The ten chapters of the book provide a detailed review of the demographic and economic reasons behind this space imperative, technical and ecological solutions to improve the settlement of our own planet, enhancements of our current space industry. The book also covers interesting topics such as the terraformation of Mars, the moon, and other planets like Venus, colonizing the outer solar system (and beyond), and the ethical considerations in favor of space expansion. This simple, yet informative treatise is an essential read for anyone interested in the subject of space colonization.

In this book, scientists present the latest trends and research in the broad field of photonics and photonic materials applications. The 14 chapters are categorized into tracks that give a snapshot of the field including basic sciences (photonics, plasmonics, advanced optics, nanophotonics) and applications (renewable energy, fiber-optics, lasers and smart materials). The book starts with a summary of recent developments in photonic crystal (PC) applications. This introduction is followed by chapters that present design concepts and investigations of PC devices such as: - All-optical XOR gates using 2D photonic crystals - One-dimensional PCs containing germanium (Ge). - Graphene surface plasmonics - Nanophotonics and fiber-optic lasers - Chalcogenides - Bragg Fibers and more The broad range of topics make this an informative source on current and exciting photonics research, and the variety of photonic materials. It serves as a reference for graduate scholars (in physics and materials science) and allied researchers who have a keen interest in photonics.

From the beginning of this century, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in the study of surface plasmon polaritons-based metallic subwavelength structures and learning. This is a refreshing concise book on issues and considerations in designing, nanofabrication and characterization of subwavelength plasmonic structures as well as their applications in imaging, superfocusing, semiconductor lasers, data storage, optical communications, biosensing, and immunoassays. The book can serve as a textbook for education and training as well as a reference book that aids research and development in those areas integrating light, photonics, nanotechnology, semiconductors, chemistry, and biology. Another aim of the book is to stimulate the interest of researchers, engineers, and businessmen to foster collaboration through multidisciplinary programs in this frontier science, leading to development and transition of the resulting technology. Both basic and applied aspects are presented in this book. Many illustrative worked-out examples and instructive exercises are given, which should prove to be particularly useful.

This book details the development of techniques and ideas from the radial basis function. It begins with a mathematical description of the basic concept of radial function method with chapters progressively delving into the derivation and construction of radial basis functions for large-scale wave propagation problems including singularity problems, high-frequency wave problems and large-scale computation problems. This reference, written by experts in numerical analysis, demonstrates how the functions arise naturally in mathematical analyses of structures responding to external loads. Readers are also equipped with mathematical knowledge about the radial basis function for understanding key algorithms required for practical solutions. Key features: - Introduces basic concepts of radial basis function methods - Provides detailed derivations of several radial basis functions - Explains complex problems using simple language - Contains a wide range of numerical examples to demonstrate applications of relevant functions - Combines the radial basis function with other known numerical methods (boundary element methods and differential equations). - Includes references and appropriate chapter appendices - Includes MATLAB codes for origin intensity factors and nearly singular factors for radial basis calculations The book is designed to make information about radial basis function methods more accessible to research scientists, professional engineers and postgraduate students, with a specific focus on large-scale wave propagation problems.

The book attempts to explain the main features of celestial mechanics using a new and unique technique. Its emphasis, in terms of applications, is on the Solar System, including its most peculiar properties (such as chaos, resonances, relativistic corrections, etc.). All results are derived in a reasonably transparent manner, so that anyone with a PC and a rudimentary knowledge of mathematics can readily verify them, and even extend them to explore new situations, if desired. The more mathematically oriented reader may also appreciate seeing quaternions as the basic algebraic tool of the new approach. Practicing astronomers may also be happy to learn that the method has eliminated the problem of zero divisors, and does not require using the rather controversial averaging principle. The book is intended for astronomers and mathematicians interested in mechanical motion.

This well organized reference book covers the newest and most important practically applicable results in thin film-based semiconductor (A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide) sensors, heterojunction-based active elements and other devices. This book is written for researchers, material scientists and advanced students who wish to increase their familiarity with different topics of novel semiconductor material science related to production of thin film-based sensors and active elements for micro- and nanoelectronics. It is also a tool and resource for professionals engaged in novel semiconductor materials technologies. Both basic and applied aspects of semiconductor materials science and technology related to A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide compounds, in particular, to ZnCdHgTe semiconductor, are presented in this book. The book features the most important original results in studies and practical applications of A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide semiconductor compounds for sensory and micro(nano)electronics. Many important original experimental data as well as results of numerical simulations are included.