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Some years ago it was not uncommon for materials scientists, even within the electronics industry, to work relatively independently of device engi­ neers. Neither group had a means to determine whether or not the materials had been optimized for application in specific device structures. This mode of operation is no longer desirable or possible. The introduction of a new material, or a new form of a well known material, now requires a close collaborative effort between individuals who represent the disciplines of materials preparation, materials characterization, device design and pro­ cessing, and the analysis of the device operation to establish relationships between device performance and the materials properties. The develop­ ment of devices in heteroepitaxial thin films has advanced to the present state specifically through the unusually close and active interchange among individuals with the appropriate backgrounds. We find no book available which brings together a description of these diverse disciplines needed for the development of such a materials-device technology. Therefore, the authors of this book, who have worked in close collaboration for a number of years, were motivated to collect their experiences in this volume. Over the years there has been a logical flow of activity beginning with heteroepi­ taxial silicon and progressing through the III-V and II-VI compounds. For each material the early emphasis on material preparation and characteriza­ tion later shifted to an emphasis on the analysis of the device characteristics specific to the materials involved.

“Radioisotope Thin-Film Powered Microsystems” describes high energy density microbatteries required for compact long lifetime wireless sensor Microsystems. These microbatteries are presented alongside theories employing high energy density radioisotope thin films in actuating novel electromechanical energy converters. Also discussed are novel wireless sensor architectures that enable long lifetime wireless sensors Microsystems with minimal amounts of radioisotope fuel used. Ultra low-power beta radiation counting clocks are described in order to illustrate the application of radioisotope thin films in realizing the deployment of various components of Microsystems. “Radioisotope Thin-Film Powered Microsystems” also presents the latest work on 3D silicon electrovoltaic converters and energy density microbatteries required for high-power Microsystems.

This book is an overview of the strategies to generate high-quality films of one-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures on flexible substrates (e.g., plastics) and the use of them as building blocks to fabricating flexible devices (including electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, power systems). In addition to engineering aspects, the physics and chemistry behind the fabrication and device operation will also be discussed as well. Internationally recognized scientists from academia, national laboratories, and industries, who are the leading researchers in the emerging areas, are contributing exceptional chapters according to their cutting-edge research results and expertise. This book will be an on-time addition to the literature in nanoscience and engineering. It will be suitable for graduate students and researchers as a useful reference to stimulate their research interest as well as facilitate their research in nanoscience and engineering. - Considers the physics and chemistry behind fabrication and device operation - Discusses applications to electronics, optoelectronics, sensors and power systems - Examines existing technologies and investigates emerging trends

Physics of Thin Films is one of the longest running continuing series in thin film science, consisting of 25 volumes since 1963. The series contains quality studies of the properties of various thin films materials and systems. In order to be able to reflect the development of today's science and to cover all modern aspects of thin films, the series, starting with Volume 20, has moved beyond the basic physics of thin films. It now addresses the most important aspects of both inorganic and organic thin films, in both their theoretical and their technological aspects. Volume 29 consists of chapters pulled from Hari Singh Nalwa's forthcoming Handbook of Thin Film Materials (ISBN: 0-12-512908-4). The chapters were selected because they deal exclusively with amorphous film structures and because they have a common relevance to semiconductor, or electronic, devices and circuits. These are subjects not yet stressed in the Thin Films series.