Rare earth nanotechnology

Rare earth (RE) materials represent a fascinating group of materials that are attracting burgeoning interest. These materials resemble each other very closely in physical and chemical properties but possess characteristic properties due to their unique electronic configuration, bestowing them with distinctive yet synergistic applications. A variety of functional RE materials have been developed in various fields. However, the limitless possibility of "technology of small things" motivates the research and development of RE materials for nanotechnology applications. This book provides in-depth aspects of nanotechnology of RE materials. It describes various techniques in derivatizing surface molecules onto nanosize RE materials. A considerable portion of the book is devoted to the review and discussion of the application of nanosize RE materials as contrast agents for in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging, MRI, and integrated imaging modalities. The book also discusses the application of RE nanomaterials in LEDs.