The proliferation of lasers and systems employing lasers has brought with it the potential for adverse effects from these bright, coherent light sources. This includes the possibility of damage from pulsed lasers, as well as temporary blinding by continuous-waver lasers. With nearly every wavelength possible being emitted by these sources, there exists a need to develop optical limiters and tunable filters which can suppress undesired radiation of any wavelength. This book addresses a number of materials and devices which have the potential for meeting the challenge. The proceedings is divided into five parts. Parts I and II cover research in organic and inorganic materials primarily based on nonlinear absorption or phase transitions for optical limiting of pulsed lasers. Part III includes photo-refractive materials and liquid crystals which find primary applications in dynamic filters. Part IV covers various aspects of device and material characterization, including nonlinear beam propagation effects. Theoretical modelling of materials properties is the subject of Part V.

This book from MRS dedicated to III-Nitrides, focuses on developments in AlN, GaN, InN and their alloys that are now finding application in short-wavelength lasers (~400nm, cw at room temperature) and high-power electronics (2.8W/mm at GHz). Experts from fields including crystal growth, condensed matter theory, source chemistry, device processing and device design come together in the volume to address issues of both scientific and technological relevance. And while much of the book reports on advances in material preparation and the understanding of defect issues, similar advances in material and device processing are also reported. Topics include: growth and doping; substrates and substrate effects; characterization; processing and device performance and design.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.

Fifty papers from the December 1997 symposium which covered the application of electrical measurements for the detection of microstructural features at all length scales. In addition to the topics covered in the first symposium--dc and ad resistivity measurements, impedance/admittance analysis, multiplane analysis and various other methods such as electron energy loss spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and capacitance voltage measurements--there are several papers which combine electrical measurements with STM, AFM, NSOM and electroluminescence techniques so that more localized information may be obtainable. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The 34 papers investigate the processing routes and properties of the complex molecular and macromolecular structures that hold biological cells together, both to reveal some of the mysteries of cell function and to identify natural solutions for optimizing membranes that might be adapted for applications in materials science. They cover the mechanics of DNA; the cytoskeleton, semiflexible polymers, polyelectrolytes, and motor proteins; properties and models of membranes and their interactions with macromolecules; biomaterials; and cells and cellular processes. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.

Presents 57 contributions from the fall 1997 symposium. Some of the most important conclusions to emerge from the papers are: Si-based visible and infrared light provide competing and complementary methods to overcome poor performance of Si as a light emitter; the silicon-on- insulator Si/SiO2/Si systems are ideal for highly confined waveguides and microphotonics components and for the fabrication of quantum wells and resonant tunneling structures; efficient integrated modulators and optically pumped amplifiers hold promise for Si-compatible optoelectronics; SiGe quantum wells, Ge films on buffered Si, and SnGe-alloys-upon-Si could be used for efficient near infrared light detection, once dark current problems are solved; and finally, new monolithic approaches to the engineering of the optical approaches of Si are allowing new applications and market space for low-cost Si-compatible integrated optoelectronics and microphotonics. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book shows that research involving electrical, optical and magnetic properties of organic solid-state materials continues to grow both in scope and technological importance. Early studies of charge transport in conducting polymers have evolved from the elucidation of fundamental structure/function relationships to applications such as batteries, simple electrical devices such as diodes, chemical sensors, antistatic coatings, microwave and millimeter wave-absorbing materials, and photochromic devices. A particularly exciting evolution has been the discovery and development of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) which appear to be nearing commercialization in an amazingly short period of time. This application is of particular interest because both electrical and optical properties must be considered.. Topics include: organic light-emitting materials and devices; photonic materials and devices; conducting and electroactive polymers and materials; molecular and supramolecular engineering; organic metals and magnetic materials and poster presentations.