Author: Makaiko L Chithambo
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1643271989
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 106
Book Description
Time-resolved optical stimulation of luminescence has become established as an important method for measurement of optically stimulated luminescence. Its enduring appeal is easy to see with the number of materials studied growing from the initial focus on natural minerals such as quartz and feldspar to synthetic dosimeters such as -Al2O3:C, BeO and YAlO3:Mn2+. The aim of time-resolved optical stimulation is to separate in time the stimulation and emission of luminescence. The luminescence is stimulated from a sample using a brief light pulse. The ensuing luminescence can be monitored either during stimulation in the presence of scattered stimulating light or after the light-pulse. The time-resolved luminescence spectrum measured in this way can be resolved into components each with a distinct lifetime. The lifetimes are linked to physical processes of luminescence and thus provide a means to study dynamics involving charge transfer between point-defects in materials. This book is devoted to time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence and is suitable for researchers with an interest in the study of point-defects using luminescence methods. The book first sets the method within the context of luminescence field at large and then provides an overview of the instrumentation used. There is much attention on models for time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence, two of which are analytical and the third of which is based on computational simulation of experimental results. To bring relevance to the discussion, the book draws on examples from studies on quartz and a-Al2O3:C, two materials widely investigated using this method. The book shows how kinetic analysis for various thermal effects such as thermal quenching and thermal assistance can be investigated using time-resolved luminescence. Although use of light sums is an obvious choice for this, contemporary work is discussed to show the versatility of using other alternative methods such the dynamic throughput.
An Introduction to Time-Resolved Optically Stimulated Luminescence
Author: Makaiko L Chithambo
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1643271989
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 106
Book Description
Time-resolved optical stimulation of luminescence has become established as an important method for measurement of optically stimulated luminescence. Its enduring appeal is easy to see with the number of materials studied growing from the initial focus on natural minerals such as quartz and feldspar to synthetic dosimeters such as -Al2O3:C, BeO and YAlO3:Mn2+. The aim of time-resolved optical stimulation is to separate in time the stimulation and emission of luminescence. The luminescence is stimulated from a sample using a brief light pulse. The ensuing luminescence can be monitored either during stimulation in the presence of scattered stimulating light or after the light-pulse. The time-resolved luminescence spectrum measured in this way can be resolved into components each with a distinct lifetime. The lifetimes are linked to physical processes of luminescence and thus provide a means to study dynamics involving charge transfer between point-defects in materials. This book is devoted to time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence and is suitable for researchers with an interest in the study of point-defects using luminescence methods. The book first sets the method within the context of luminescence field at large and then provides an overview of the instrumentation used. There is much attention on models for time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence, two of which are analytical and the third of which is based on computational simulation of experimental results. To bring relevance to the discussion, the book draws on examples from studies on quartz and a-Al2O3:C, two materials widely investigated using this method. The book shows how kinetic analysis for various thermal effects such as thermal quenching and thermal assistance can be investigated using time-resolved luminescence. Although use of light sums is an obvious choice for this, contemporary work is discussed to show the versatility of using other alternative methods such the dynamic throughput.
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1643271989
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 106
Book Description
Time-resolved optical stimulation of luminescence has become established as an important method for measurement of optically stimulated luminescence. Its enduring appeal is easy to see with the number of materials studied growing from the initial focus on natural minerals such as quartz and feldspar to synthetic dosimeters such as -Al2O3:C, BeO and YAlO3:Mn2+. The aim of time-resolved optical stimulation is to separate in time the stimulation and emission of luminescence. The luminescence is stimulated from a sample using a brief light pulse. The ensuing luminescence can be monitored either during stimulation in the presence of scattered stimulating light or after the light-pulse. The time-resolved luminescence spectrum measured in this way can be resolved into components each with a distinct lifetime. The lifetimes are linked to physical processes of luminescence and thus provide a means to study dynamics involving charge transfer between point-defects in materials. This book is devoted to time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence and is suitable for researchers with an interest in the study of point-defects using luminescence methods. The book first sets the method within the context of luminescence field at large and then provides an overview of the instrumentation used. There is much attention on models for time-resolved optically stimulated luminescence, two of which are analytical and the third of which is based on computational simulation of experimental results. To bring relevance to the discussion, the book draws on examples from studies on quartz and a-Al2O3:C, two materials widely investigated using this method. The book shows how kinetic analysis for various thermal effects such as thermal quenching and thermal assistance can be investigated using time-resolved luminescence. Although use of light sums is an obvious choice for this, contemporary work is discussed to show the versatility of using other alternative methods such the dynamic throughput.
Luminescence Signal Analysis Using Python
Author: Vasilis Pagonis
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030967980
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
This book compiles and presents a complete package of open-access Python software code for luminescence signal analysis in the areas of radiation dosimetry, luminescence dosimetry, and luminescence dating. Featuring more than 90 detailed worked examples of Python code, fully integrated into the text, 16 chapters summarize the theory and equations behind the subject matter, while presenting the practical Python codes used to analyze experimental data and extract the various parameters that mathematically describe the luminescence signals. Several examples are provided of how researchers can use and modify the available codes for different practical situations. Types of luminescence signals analyzed in the book are thermoluminescence (TL), isothermal luminescence (ITL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL), timeresolved luminescence (TR) and dose response of dosimetric materials. The open-access Python codes are available at GitHub. The book is well suited to the broader scientific audience using the tools of luminescence dosimetry: physicists, geologists, archaeologists, solid-state physicists, medical physicists, and all scientists using luminescence dosimetry in their research. The detailed code provided allows both students and researchers to be trained quickly and efficiently on the practical aspects of their work, while also providing an overview of the theory behind the analytical equations.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030967980
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 409
Book Description
This book compiles and presents a complete package of open-access Python software code for luminescence signal analysis in the areas of radiation dosimetry, luminescence dosimetry, and luminescence dating. Featuring more than 90 detailed worked examples of Python code, fully integrated into the text, 16 chapters summarize the theory and equations behind the subject matter, while presenting the practical Python codes used to analyze experimental data and extract the various parameters that mathematically describe the luminescence signals. Several examples are provided of how researchers can use and modify the available codes for different practical situations. Types of luminescence signals analyzed in the book are thermoluminescence (TL), isothermal luminescence (ITL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL), timeresolved luminescence (TR) and dose response of dosimetric materials. The open-access Python codes are available at GitHub. The book is well suited to the broader scientific audience using the tools of luminescence dosimetry: physicists, geologists, archaeologists, solid-state physicists, medical physicists, and all scientists using luminescence dosimetry in their research. The detailed code provided allows both students and researchers to be trained quickly and efficiently on the practical aspects of their work, while also providing an overview of the theory behind the analytical equations.
Advances In Physics And Applications Of Optically And Thermally Stimulated Luminescence
Author: Reuven Chen
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1786345803
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 527
Book Description
In this volume, international leading experts in the study of thermally and optically stimulated luminescence give an up-to-date, comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and experimental aspects of these subjects, as well as their applications.The theory of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are discussed in detail including mainly solid state models of localized and delocalized transitions. These models cover the effects occurring during the excitation by irradiation and the read-out by heating or by exposure to light. The methods described consist of analytical mathematical considerations as well as numerical simulations.The main application of these effects, namely radiation dosimetry, includes personal and environmental dosimetry, as well as retrospective dosimetry and the dosimetry of cosmic radiation and space missions. Also discussed in detail are archaeological and geological dating, the use of luminescence dosimetry in medical physics as well as general applications in geosciences, other model subjects such as time-resolved luminescence and thermally assisted OSL, and the sister-subject of thermoluminescence in photosynthetic materials.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1786345803
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 527
Book Description
In this volume, international leading experts in the study of thermally and optically stimulated luminescence give an up-to-date, comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and experimental aspects of these subjects, as well as their applications.The theory of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are discussed in detail including mainly solid state models of localized and delocalized transitions. These models cover the effects occurring during the excitation by irradiation and the read-out by heating or by exposure to light. The methods described consist of analytical mathematical considerations as well as numerical simulations.The main application of these effects, namely radiation dosimetry, includes personal and environmental dosimetry, as well as retrospective dosimetry and the dosimetry of cosmic radiation and space missions. Also discussed in detail are archaeological and geological dating, the use of luminescence dosimetry in medical physics as well as general applications in geosciences, other model subjects such as time-resolved luminescence and thermally assisted OSL, and the sister-subject of thermoluminescence in photosynthetic materials.
Luminescence
Author: Vasilis Pagonis
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030673111
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 357
Book Description
This book covers applications of R to the general discipline of radiation dosimetry and to the specific areas of luminescence dosimetry, luminescence dating, and radiation protection dosimetry. It features more than 90 detailed worked examples of R code fully integrated into the text, with extensive annotations. The book shows how researchers can use available R packages to analyze their experimental data, and how to extract the various parameters describing mathematically the luminescence signals. In each chapter, the theory behind the subject is summarized, and references are given from the literature, so that researchers can look up the details of the theory and the relevant experiments. Several chapters are dedicated to Monte Carlo methods, which are used to simulate the luminescence processes during the irradiation, heating, and optical stimulation of solids, for a wide variety of materials. This book will be useful to those who use the tools of luminescence dosimetry, including physicists, geologists, archaeologists, and for all researchers who use radiation in their research.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030673111
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 357
Book Description
This book covers applications of R to the general discipline of radiation dosimetry and to the specific areas of luminescence dosimetry, luminescence dating, and radiation protection dosimetry. It features more than 90 detailed worked examples of R code fully integrated into the text, with extensive annotations. The book shows how researchers can use available R packages to analyze their experimental data, and how to extract the various parameters describing mathematically the luminescence signals. In each chapter, the theory behind the subject is summarized, and references are given from the literature, so that researchers can look up the details of the theory and the relevant experiments. Several chapters are dedicated to Monte Carlo methods, which are used to simulate the luminescence processes during the irradiation, heating, and optical stimulation of solids, for a wide variety of materials. This book will be useful to those who use the tools of luminescence dosimetry, including physicists, geologists, archaeologists, and for all researchers who use radiation in their research.
Introduction to Optical Dating
Author: M. J. Aitken
Publisher: Clarendon Press
ISBN: 0191589276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.
Publisher: Clarendon Press
ISBN: 0191589276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.
Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimetry
Author: L. Boetter-Jensen
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008053807X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) has become the technique of choice for many areas of radiation dosimetry. The technique is finding widespread application in a variety of radiation dosimetry fields, including personal monitoring, environmental monitoring, retrospective dosimetry (including geological dating and accident dosimetry), space dosimetry, and many more. In this book we have attempted to synthesize the major advances in the field, covering both fundamental understanding and the many applications. The latter serve to demonstrate the success and popularity of OSL as a dosimetry method.The book is designed for researchers and radiation dosimetry practitioners alike. It delves into the detailed theory of the process from the point of view of stimulated relaxation phenomena, describing the energy storage and release processes phenomenologically and developing detailed mathematical descriptions to enable a quantitative understanding of the observed phenomena. The various stimulation modes (continuous wave, pulsed, or linear modulation) are introduced and compared. The properties of the most important synthetic OSL materials beginning with the dominant carbon-doped Al2O3, and moving through discussions of other, less-well studied but nevertheless important, or potentially important, materials. The OSL properties of the two most important natural OSL dosimetry material types, namely quartz and feldspars are discussed in depth. The applications chapters deal with the use of OSL in personal, environmental, medical and UV dosimetry, geological dating and retrospective dosimetry (accident dosimetry and dating). Finally the developments in instrumentation that have occurred over the past decade or more are described. The book will find use in those laboratories within academia, national institutes and the private sector where research and applications in radiation dosimetry using luminescence are being conducted. Potential readers include personnel involved in radiation protection practice and research, hospitals, nuclear power stations, radiation clean-up and remediation, food irradiation and materials processing, security monitoring, geological and archaeological dating, luminescence studies of minerals, etc.
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008053807X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) has become the technique of choice for many areas of radiation dosimetry. The technique is finding widespread application in a variety of radiation dosimetry fields, including personal monitoring, environmental monitoring, retrospective dosimetry (including geological dating and accident dosimetry), space dosimetry, and many more. In this book we have attempted to synthesize the major advances in the field, covering both fundamental understanding and the many applications. The latter serve to demonstrate the success and popularity of OSL as a dosimetry method.The book is designed for researchers and radiation dosimetry practitioners alike. It delves into the detailed theory of the process from the point of view of stimulated relaxation phenomena, describing the energy storage and release processes phenomenologically and developing detailed mathematical descriptions to enable a quantitative understanding of the observed phenomena. The various stimulation modes (continuous wave, pulsed, or linear modulation) are introduced and compared. The properties of the most important synthetic OSL materials beginning with the dominant carbon-doped Al2O3, and moving through discussions of other, less-well studied but nevertheless important, or potentially important, materials. The OSL properties of the two most important natural OSL dosimetry material types, namely quartz and feldspars are discussed in depth. The applications chapters deal with the use of OSL in personal, environmental, medical and UV dosimetry, geological dating and retrospective dosimetry (accident dosimetry and dating). Finally the developments in instrumentation that have occurred over the past decade or more are described. The book will find use in those laboratories within academia, national institutes and the private sector where research and applications in radiation dosimetry using luminescence are being conducted. Potential readers include personnel involved in radiation protection practice and research, hospitals, nuclear power stations, radiation clean-up and remediation, food irradiation and materials processing, security monitoring, geological and archaeological dating, luminescence studies of minerals, etc.
Optically Stimulated Luminescence
Author: Eduardo G. Yukihara
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470977213
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Optically stimulated luminescence has developed into one of the leading optical techniques for the measurement and detection of ionizing radiation. This text covers, in a readable manner, advanced modern applications of the technique, how it can play a useful role in different areas of dosimetry and how to approach the challenges presented when working with optically stimulated luminescence. The six chapters are as follows: Introduction, including a short history of OSL and details of successful applications Theory and Practical Aspects Personal Dosimetry Space Dosimetry Medical Dosimetry Other Applications and Concepts, including retrospective and accident dosimetry, environmental monitoring and UV dosimetry Throughout the book, the underlying theory is discussed on an as-needed basis for a complete understanding of the phenomena, but with an emphasis of the practical applications of the technique. The authors also give background information and relevant key references on each method, inviting the reader to explore deeper into the subject independently. Postgraduates, researchers, and those involved with radiation dosimetry will find this book particularly useful. The material is both relevant and accessible for both specialists and those new to the field, therefore is fundamental to any academic interested in modern advances of the subject.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470977213
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Optically stimulated luminescence has developed into one of the leading optical techniques for the measurement and detection of ionizing radiation. This text covers, in a readable manner, advanced modern applications of the technique, how it can play a useful role in different areas of dosimetry and how to approach the challenges presented when working with optically stimulated luminescence. The six chapters are as follows: Introduction, including a short history of OSL and details of successful applications Theory and Practical Aspects Personal Dosimetry Space Dosimetry Medical Dosimetry Other Applications and Concepts, including retrospective and accident dosimetry, environmental monitoring and UV dosimetry Throughout the book, the underlying theory is discussed on an as-needed basis for a complete understanding of the phenomena, but with an emphasis of the practical applications of the technique. The authors also give background information and relevant key references on each method, inviting the reader to explore deeper into the subject independently. Postgraduates, researchers, and those involved with radiation dosimetry will find this book particularly useful. The material is both relevant and accessible for both specialists and those new to the field, therefore is fundamental to any academic interested in modern advances of the subject.
Cancer Imaging
Author: M. A. Hayat
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080553656
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 655
Book Description
With cancer-related deaths projected to rise to 10.3 million people by 2020, the need to prevent, diagnose, and cure cancer is greater than ever. Cancer Imaging presents readers with the most up-to-date imaging instrumentation, general and diagnostic applications for various cancers, with an emphasis on lung and breast carcinomas--the two major worldwide malignancy types. This book discusses the various imaging techniques used to locate and diagnose tumors, including ultrasound, X-ray, color Doppler sonography, PET, CT, PET/CT, MRI, SPECT, diffusion tensor imaging, dynamic infrared imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It also details strategies for imaging cancer, emphasizing the importance of the use of this technology for clinical diagnosis. Imaging techniques that predict the malignant potential of cancers, response to chemotherapy and other treatments, recurrence, and prognosis are also detailed. - Concentrates on the application of imaging technology to the diagnosis and prognosis of lung and breast carcinomas, the two major worldwide malignancies - Addresses the relationship between radiation dose and image quality - Discusses the role of molecular imaging in identifying changes for the emergence and progression of cancer at the cellular and/or molecular levels
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080553656
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 655
Book Description
With cancer-related deaths projected to rise to 10.3 million people by 2020, the need to prevent, diagnose, and cure cancer is greater than ever. Cancer Imaging presents readers with the most up-to-date imaging instrumentation, general and diagnostic applications for various cancers, with an emphasis on lung and breast carcinomas--the two major worldwide malignancy types. This book discusses the various imaging techniques used to locate and diagnose tumors, including ultrasound, X-ray, color Doppler sonography, PET, CT, PET/CT, MRI, SPECT, diffusion tensor imaging, dynamic infrared imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It also details strategies for imaging cancer, emphasizing the importance of the use of this technology for clinical diagnosis. Imaging techniques that predict the malignant potential of cancers, response to chemotherapy and other treatments, recurrence, and prognosis are also detailed. - Concentrates on the application of imaging technology to the diagnosis and prognosis of lung and breast carcinomas, the two major worldwide malignancies - Addresses the relationship between radiation dose and image quality - Discusses the role of molecular imaging in identifying changes for the emergence and progression of cancer at the cellular and/or molecular levels
Clinical 3D Dosimetry in Modern Radiation Therapy
Author: Ben Mijnheer
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482252228
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 696
Book Description
Provides a complete overview of the principles, hardware, measurement methods, and clinical applications of three-dimensional dosimetry. Explains basic concepts with emphasis on 3D dose measurements and validation of 3D dose calculations as a key application of 3D dosimetry. Discusses accuracy requirements for 3D dosimetry in advanced radiotherapy as well as important topics such as audits, quality assurance, and testing. Presents state of the art detector and point detector instruments and systems, gel dosimetry, and electronic portal imaging device dosimetry. Addresses the main measurement approaches, from small-field dosimetry to 4D dosimetry, Monte Carlo techniques, and methods for quantifying differences in 3D dose distributions.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482252228
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 696
Book Description
Provides a complete overview of the principles, hardware, measurement methods, and clinical applications of three-dimensional dosimetry. Explains basic concepts with emphasis on 3D dose measurements and validation of 3D dose calculations as a key application of 3D dosimetry. Discusses accuracy requirements for 3D dosimetry in advanced radiotherapy as well as important topics such as audits, quality assurance, and testing. Presents state of the art detector and point detector instruments and systems, gel dosimetry, and electronic portal imaging device dosimetry. Addresses the main measurement approaches, from small-field dosimetry to 4D dosimetry, Monte Carlo techniques, and methods for quantifying differences in 3D dose distributions.
Proceedings of 2000 International Conference on Excitonic Processes in Condensed Matter
Author: Kikuo Cho
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789812811387
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 506
Book Description
At Yamada Conference LIII, papers on many novel materials and on novel phenomena in condensed matter physics were presented OCo for instance, the achievement of simultaneous creation of excitons and free-electron-hole pairs in rare gas solids, and a low frequency fluctuation of the spectral shift of indirect excitons in GaAs coupled quantum wells. Single molecule spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecules including biological systems; the study of delocalization of excitons in the photosynthetic light harvesting antenna system was also reported. The proceedings thus contain many excellent papers dealing with current research topics on the excitonic processes in bulk, quantum wells, quantum dots and other confined systems. This book will serve as an excellent source of recent references and reviews for a wide range of researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering and biological sciences. The proceedings have been selected for coverage in: . OCo Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings). Contents: Dynamical Process of Photoionization in Semiconductor Nanocrystals (M Y Shen et al.); Excitons on a 1D Periodic Conjugated Polymer Chain: Two Electronic Structures of Polydiacetylene Chains (C Lapersonne-Meyer); Anomalous Spectral Shifts of Indirect Excitons in Coupled GaAs Quantum Wells (D W Snoke et al.); Infrared Absorption by Excitons in Cuprous Oxide (M GAppert et al.); Theory of Excitation-Energy Transfer Processes Involving Optically Forbidden Exciton States in Antenna Systems of Photosynthesis (K Mukai et al.); Transient Grating Induced by Excitonic Polaritons in Thin Film Semiconductors (K Akiyama et al.); Excitonic Photoluminescence of Pentacene Single Crystal (T Aoki-Matsumoto et al.); Scanning Near-Field Optical Microspectroscopy of Single Perylene Microcrystals (J Niitsuma et al.); and other papers. Readership: Condensed matter physicists, materials scientists, chemists and biologists."
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9789812811387
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 506
Book Description
At Yamada Conference LIII, papers on many novel materials and on novel phenomena in condensed matter physics were presented OCo for instance, the achievement of simultaneous creation of excitons and free-electron-hole pairs in rare gas solids, and a low frequency fluctuation of the spectral shift of indirect excitons in GaAs coupled quantum wells. Single molecule spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecules including biological systems; the study of delocalization of excitons in the photosynthetic light harvesting antenna system was also reported. The proceedings thus contain many excellent papers dealing with current research topics on the excitonic processes in bulk, quantum wells, quantum dots and other confined systems. This book will serve as an excellent source of recent references and reviews for a wide range of researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering and biological sciences. The proceedings have been selected for coverage in: . OCo Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings). Contents: Dynamical Process of Photoionization in Semiconductor Nanocrystals (M Y Shen et al.); Excitons on a 1D Periodic Conjugated Polymer Chain: Two Electronic Structures of Polydiacetylene Chains (C Lapersonne-Meyer); Anomalous Spectral Shifts of Indirect Excitons in Coupled GaAs Quantum Wells (D W Snoke et al.); Infrared Absorption by Excitons in Cuprous Oxide (M GAppert et al.); Theory of Excitation-Energy Transfer Processes Involving Optically Forbidden Exciton States in Antenna Systems of Photosynthesis (K Mukai et al.); Transient Grating Induced by Excitonic Polaritons in Thin Film Semiconductors (K Akiyama et al.); Excitonic Photoluminescence of Pentacene Single Crystal (T Aoki-Matsumoto et al.); Scanning Near-Field Optical Microspectroscopy of Single Perylene Microcrystals (J Niitsuma et al.); and other papers. Readership: Condensed matter physicists, materials scientists, chemists and biologists."