Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics (Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology) - Hardcover

Imry, Joseph

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195101677 ISBN 13: 9780195101676

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1997

Synopsis

"Mesoscopic physics" refers to the physics of structures larger than a nanometer (one billionth of a meter) but smaller than a micrometer (one millionth of a meter). This size range is the stage on which the exciting new research on submicroscopic and electronic and mechanical devices is being done. This research often crosses the boundary between physics and engineering, since engineering such tiny electronic components requires a firm grasp of quantum physics. Applications for the future may include such wonders as microscopic robot surgeons that travel through the blood stream to repair clogged arteries, submicroscopic actuators and builders, and supercomputers that fit on the head of a pin. The world of the future is being planned and built by physicists, engineers, and chemists working in the microscopic realm. This book can be used as the main text in a course on mesoscopic physics or as a supplementary text in electronic devices, semiconductor devices, and condensed matter physics courses.

About this title

About the Author:

Joseph Imry is at Weizman Institute.

Review:

"A propitious beginning for Oxford University Press's series Mesoscopic Physics and Nanotechnology. This is an area of physics in which there has been recent explosive development, made possible by nanofabrication methods and equipment, the development of which has been driven in turn by the technological goal of achieving ever denser digital electronic circuitry. As the physical limits of conventional electronic devices are approached, the understanding of the remarkable new physics of very small devices will be crucial for continued technological progress." --Michael Tinkham, Harvard University, in Physics Today

"Imry, who is one of the central figures in the development of the field, provides in this text a valuable overview of these new physical phenomena. . . .This interesting and relatively brief new book brings the reader into contact with some exciting developments in a very active area of condensed matter physics. It provides a ready reference to the main themes and results and belongs on the desks of all workers in this field." --Michael Tinkham, Harvard University, in Physics Today

"A key role in these developments [leading to the current work in mesoscopic physics] was played by Yoseph Imry, who has now written a book to share his insights. The time is right. Mesoscopic physics has reached a certain maturity, and many universities have included it as a course topic. It makes indeed a wonderful subject for students, since it provides real-life application of what they have learned in their quantum mechanics courses. Imry's book is the first comprehensive introduction to the field. . . .This is an excellent introduction to a new field of physics. It should appeal to teachers looking for a course that crosses the boundaries between traditional courses on statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics. I plan to use it myself for such a course in the near future. More advanced researchers will benefit from Imry's insightful qualitative explanations." --Journal of Statistical Physics

"The appearance of this introductory book is...quite timely. The author is one of the most active researchers in this field, so the reader is able to delve into a variety of problems related by a common base to study the interplay among the developed ingredients and to perceive the atmosphere of their formation. Moreover, many questions are unsolved so far, and the book promises to provide a view of where they are already substantiated." --Materials Research Bulletin

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0195101677
• ISBN 13: 9780195101676
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 248