PREFACE
Solid state spectroscopy is currently a burgeoning field finding applications in
many branches of science, including physics, chemistry, biosciences, surface
science, and materials science. After surveying the current developments
taking place in the field, the contributing authors considered it appropriate to
produce a volume containing various spectroscopic techniques currently in
practice around the world—all under one cover.
The purpose of the proposed edited volume is to bring together the
different techniques applied to various aspects of solid state spectroscopy,
which continue to receive attention worldwide. The authors expect this
volume to become a valuable source in the hands of not only the mature and
experienced reader but also the new entrant in different areas described in this
compendium. The proposed works are of particular interest to graduate
students, teachers, and researchers in the field of physics, chemistry, and
materials science, including solid state biosciences. This volume should serve
both as text and reference to readers.
The handbook comprises 16 chapters, each in the form of overviews of
latest works by authors who are leading world experts in the field of solid
state spectroscopy. The contributions are from leading international physical
and chemical spectroscopists on the latest advances in the solid state
spectroscopic techniques as applied in various branches of science and
industry. Various techniques presented in the book lay stress on fundamentals,
experimental techniques and procedures, applications, and new develop-
ments.
Efforts have been made to develop this volume as an international
standard, one which will provide authentic and quantitative information to
readers. The handbook represents a valuable contribution by outstanding
researchers in their individual fields. It has an international flavor, with
contributions drawn from the United States, Germany, Canada, Switzerland,
Poland, Australia, India, Brazil, Iran, Denmark, and Sweden.
It is my pleasant duty to express my gratitude to various authors who made
this handbook possible by contributing respective chapters in the fields of
their expertise. I am indebted to all those authors and publishers who freely
granted permissions to reproduce their copyright works. The patience of staff
at Kluwer Academic Publishers and Springer-Verlag is also thankfully
acknowledged. Last but not the least, I wish to express my deep appreciation
to my wife Dr. Meenakshi Vij and my daughters Surabhi and Monika for their
indispensable support, encouragement, and patience during the writing and
editing of this handbook.
D.R. Vij, Editor
Kurukshetra, India