SCIENCE AT THE NANOSCALE
An Introductory Textbook

by Wee Shong Chin (National University of Singapore), Chorng Haur Sow (National University of Singapore) & Andrew T S Wee (National University of Singapore, Singapore)

Table of Contents (34k)
Preface (135k)
Chapter 2: Classical Physics at the Nanoscale (531k)

Nanotechnology is one of the most important growth areas of this century. Nanoscience, the science underpinning nanotechnology, is a multidisciplinary subject covering atomic, molecular and solid state physics, as well as much of chemistry. Nanostructures are known to exhibit novel and improved material properties, fundamentally because the physical and chemical properties are very different when dimensions are reduced to the nanometer range. This book thus aims to introduce the various basic principles and knowledge needed for students to understand science at the nanoscale.

Many ideas proposed in nanotechnology are frontier and futuristic, although some have immediate technological applications. The core scientific principles of all nanotechnology applications, however, are grounded in physics and chemistry. There are currently numerous specialized nanoscience and nanotechnology-related texts or monographs at the graduate and senior undergraduate levels. This textbook is targeted at the junior undergraduate level or as a reference text for advanced learners at pre-university and senior high school. It has evolved from the authors' own teaching experience at tertiary institutions.

Contents:

• Introduction and Historical Perspective of Nanoscale Science
• Classical Physics at the Nanoscale
• Quantum Phenomenon at the Nanoscale
• From Atoms and Molecules to Nanoscale Materials
• Surface Activity at the Nanoscale
• Artificial Nanostructures
• Formation of Nanoscale Objects and Self-Assembly
• Nanotools and Nanofabrication
• Future Trends

Readership: This book is suitable for science undergraduates, and can be used as a reference for pre-university science students.

"This book provides a very detailed and interesting overview of the fundamental principles of nanoscience, discusses the background of several nanoscience experimental techniques, and sheds light on some of the visionary and important applications in the truly interdisciplinary area of nanotechnology. This book will be a useful reference book for graduate students, and is expected to attract a lot of attention, not only from new graduate students, but also from more senior scientists interested in the fascinating area of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and those who are involved in a wide spectrum of disciplines ranging from physics, chemistry, surface science, spectroscopy, materials science, engineering to medicine."

Wael Mamdouh and Flemming Besenbacher University of Aarhus, Denmark

"The textbook is well-written and concise, allowing readers with little or no prior knowledge about nanotechnology and nanoscience to understand and appreciate the concepts easily."

Tan Lay Theng Republic Polytechnic, Singapore

228pp		Jun 2009
978-981-4241-03-8		US$88 / £66