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This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating world of quasiparticle properties of graphene-related materials. The authors thoroughly explore the intricate effects of intrinsic and extrinsic interactions on the material's properties, while unifying the single-particle and many-particle properties through the development of a theoretical framework. The book covers a wide range of research topics, including long-range Coulomb interactions, dynamic charge density waves, Friedel oscillations and plasmon excitations, as well as optical reflection and transmission spectra of thin films. Also it highlights the crucial roles of inelastic Coulomb scattering and optical scattering in the quasiparticle properties of layered systems, and the impact of crystal symmetry, number of layers, and stacking configuration on their uniqueness. Furthermore, the authors explore the topological properties of quasiparticles, including 2D time-reversal-symmetry protected topological insulators with quantum spin Hall effect, and rhombohedral graphite with Dirac nodal lines. Meanwhile, the book examines the gate potential application for creating topological localized states and shows topological invariants of 2D Dirac fermions, and binary Z2 topological invariants under chiral symmetry. The calculated results are consistent with the present experimental observations, establishing it as a valuable resource for individuals interested in the quasiparticle properties of novel materials.

This book highlights cutting-edge research in surface plasmons, discussing the different types and providing a comprehensive overview of their applications. Surface plasmons (SPs) receive special attention in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties when operating at the nanoscale. The excitation of SPs in metal nanostructures enables the manipulation of light beyond the diffraction limit, which can be utilized for enhancing and tailoring light-matter interactions and developing ultra-compact high-performance nanophotonic devices for various applications. With clear and understandable illustrations, tables, and descriptions, this book provides physicists, materials scientists, chemists, engineers, and their students with a fundamental understanding of surface plasmons and device applications as a basis for future developments.

This book focuses on the fundamentals, technologies and properties of ion irradiation of dielectric materials (e.g. glasses, crystals) with regard to various photonic applications. It introduces readers to diverse ion-beam techniques for the fabrication and modification of micron- or nanoscale photonic structures, including optical waveguides, photonic crystals, and nanoparticle (nano-spheres and nano-rods) systems, and presents state-of-the-art advances in this multi-disciplinary research field, demonstrating the unique capabilities of ion-beam technologies in optical dielectric materials processing. The book discusses in detail the properties of ion-beam processed waveguides, as well as the modification of dielectrics for photonic applications, such as electro-optic modulation, nonlinear frequency conversion, waveguide amplification and lasing. It also explores synthesis and the correlated optical effects of nanoparticles by ion beams, and featuresexamples of successful micro- and nano-photonic devices. Given its breadth of coverage, the book will particularly appeal to readers interested in ion-beam technology, materials science, and integrated optics.

Dynamics of Molecular Excitons provides a comprehensive, but concise description of major theories on the dynamics of molecular excitons, intended to serve as a self-contained resource on the topic. Designed to help those new to this area gain proficiency in this field, experts will also find the book useful in developing a deeper understanding of the subject. The starting point of the book is the standard microscopic definition of molecular Hamiltonians presented in commonly accepted modern quantum mechanical notations. Major assumptions and approximations involved in constructing Frenkel-type exciton Hamiltonians, which are well established, but are often hidden under arcane notations and approximations of old publications, are presented in detail. This will help quantum chemists understand the major assumptions involved in the definition of commonly used exciton models. Rate theories of exciton dynamics, such as Förster and Dexter theories and their modern generalizations, are presented in a unified and detailed manner. In addition, important aspects that are often neglected, such as local field effect and the role of fluctuating environments, are discussed. Various quantum dynamics methods allowing coherent dynamics of excitons are presented in a systematic manner in the context of quantum master equations or path integral formalisms. The author also provides a detailed theoretical explanation for the major spectroscopic techniques probing exciton dynamics, including modern two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, with a critical assessment of the implications of these spectroscopic measurements. Finally, the book includes a brief overview of major applications including an explanation of organic photovoltaic materials and natural light harvesting complexes. - Covers major theories of exciton dynamics in a consciously concise and easily readable way - Bridges the gap between quantum dynamics working with phenomenological exciton Hamiltonian and quantum chemistry construct reliable models amenable for dynamics calculations from ab initio calculations - Explores modern nonlinear electronic spectroscopy techniques to probe exciton dynamics, showing how it is applied

This thesis describes the controlled immobilization of molecules between two cuboidal metal nanoparticles by means of a self-assembly method to control the quantum plasmon resonances. It demonstrates that quantum-plasmonics is possible at length scales that are useful for real applications. Light can interact with certain metals and can be captured in the form of plasmons, which are collective, ultra-fast oscillations of electrons that can be manipulated at the nano-scale. Surface plasmons are considered as a promising phenomenon for potentially bridging the gap between fast-operating-speed optics and nano-scale electronics. Quantum tunneling has been predicted to occur across two closely separated plasmonic resonators at length scales (<0.3 nm) that are not accessible using present-day nanofabrication techniques. Unlike top-down nanofabrication, the molecules between the closely-spaced metal nanoparticles could control the gap sizes down to sub-nanometer scales and actas the frequency controllers in the terahertz regime, providing a new control parameter in the fabrication of electrical circuits facilitated by quantum plasmon tunneling.

This thesis demonstrates that layered heterostructures of two-dimensional crystals graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides provide new and interesting interlayer transport phenomena. Low-energy electron microscopy is employed to study the surface of atomically thin WSe2 prepared by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on epitaxial graphene substrates, and a method for unambiguously measuring the number of atomic layers is presented. Using very low-energy electrons to probe the surface of similar heterostructures, a relationship between extracted work function differences from the layers and the nature of the electrical contact between them is revealed. An extension of this analysis is applied to surface studies of MoSe2 prepared by molecular beam epitaxy on epitaxial graphene. A large work function difference is measured between the MoSe2 and graphene, and a model is provided which suggests that this observation results from an exceptional defect density in the MoSe2 film. The thesis expounds a theory for computing tunneling currents between two-dimensional crystals separated by a thin insulating barrier; a few situations resulting in resonant tunneling and negative differential resistance are illustrated by computed examples, as well as observed characteristics, for monolayer and bilayer graphene tunneling junctions and transistors.

This book is expected to present state-of-the-art understanding of a selection of excitonic and photonic processes in useful materials from semiconductors to insulators to metal/insulator nanocomposites, both inorganic and organic. Among the featured applications are components of solar cells, detectors, light-emitting devices, scintillators and materials with novel optical properties. Excitonic properties are particularly important in organic photovoltaics and light emitting devices, as also in questions of the ultimate resolution and efficiency of new-generation scintillators for medical diagnostics, border security and nuclear non proliferation. Novel photonic and optoelectronic applications benefit from new material combinations and structures to be discussed.

This book presents a comprehensive description of phonons and their interactions in systems with different dimensions and length scales. Internationally-recognized leaders describe theories and measurements of phonon interactions in relation to the design of materials with exotic properties such as metamaterials, nano-mechanical systems, next-generation electronic, photonic, and acoustic devices, energy harvesting, optical information storage, and applications of phonon lasers in a variety of fields.The emergence of techniques for control of semiconductor properties and geometry has enabled engineers to design structures in which functionality is derived from controlling electron behavior. As manufacturing techniques have greatly expanded the list of available materials and the range of attainable length scales, similar opportunities now exist for designing devices whose functionality is derived from controlling phonon behavior. However, progress in this area is hampered by gaps in our knowledge of phonon transport across and along arbitrary interfaces, the scattering of phonons with crystal defects, interface roughness and mass-mixing, delocalized electrons/collective electronic excitations, and solid acoustic vibrations when these occur in structures with small physical dimensions. This book provides a comprehensive description of phonons and their interactions in systems with different dimensions and length scales. Theories and measurements of phonon interactions are described in relation to the design of materials with exotic properties such as metamaterials, nano-mechanical systems, next-generation electronic, photonic, and acoustic devices, energy harvesting, optical information storage, and applications of phonon lasers in a variety of fields.

This book focuses on phonons and electrons, which the student needs to learn first in solid state physics. The required quantum theory and statistical physics are derived from scratch. Systematic in structure and tutorial in style, the treatment is filled with detailed mathematical steps and physical interpretations. This approach ensures a self-sufficient content for easier teaching and learning. The objective is to introduce the concepts of phonons and electrons in a more rigorous and yet clearer way, so that the student does not need to relearn them in more advanced courses. Examples are the transition from lattice vibrations to phonons and from free electrons to energy bands.The book can be used as the beginning module of a one-year introductory course on solid state physics, and the instructor will have a chance to choose additional topics. Alternatively, it can be taught as a stand-alone text for building the most-needed foundation in just one semester.