Atomic Quantum Dynamics in Materials Research

The present and final volume of the series is dedicated to the application of neutron scattering techniques across contemporary biology, chemistry, and materials science. As such, our presentation has been necessarily restricted to a handful of topics, in order to highlight and bring to the fore spe- cific areas of activity that continue to gain importance and relevance. We start with the structure and dynamics of biological systems, followed by what one may consider as "more chemical" applications including water and aqueous systems, ionic liquids, catalysis on surfaces and nanostructured media, ionic and proton conductors, and soft matter. In some cases, we have chosen to place the emphasis on a detailed description of specific techniques and their recent use across disciplines. These include high-temperature and high- pressure techniques, or the (quite unique) use of epithermal neutrons to inter- rogate the quantum behavior of atoms in materials, and how it relates to func- tion and performance. Our presentation is wrapped-up by an up-to-date overview of applications in engineering, an area which certainly links the technique to an everyday context quite close to our lives. Relative to the previous two volumes, we have found it much more difficult to keep the over- all size of this third and final volume within reasonable bounds. In our view, this challenge is a testament to the growth and success witnessed by the field over the past two decades. The future of neutron scattering as a discipline, therefore, looks very bright! In closing this preface, we wish to thank all authors for taking time out of their busy schedules to be part of this venture, Drs. T. Lucatorto, J.T. Yates, and K. Baldwin for inviting us to undertake this work, and the staff of Academic Press for their encouragement, diligence, and forbearance along the way.