More than 1,400 entries, from a few sentences to a page in length. The second, completely revised and enlarged edition of this introductory reference handbook summarizes the terms and definitions, most important phenomena, and regulations occurring in the physics, chemistry, technology, and application of nanostructures. A representative collection of fundamental terms and definitions from quantum physics and chemistry, special mathematics, organic and inorganic chemistry, solid state physics, material science and technology accompanies recommended second sources (books, reviews, websites) for an extended study of any given subject. Each entry interprets the term or definition under consideration and briefly presents the main features of the phenomena behind it. Additional information in the form of notes ("First described in", "Recognition", "More details in") supplements the entries and gives a historical perspective of the subject with reference to further sources. Ideal for answering questions related to unknown terms and...