Diffusion fundamentals

Diffusion involves the irregular movement particles and is among the fundamental, omnipresent phenomena of nature. It occurs in all states of matter and is critically important to many technological processes as well as for the functioning of living cells. Even the propagation of diseases, men and ideas may be considered as diffusion phenomena. Following Diffusion Fundamentals I in Leipzig 2005, researchers and technicians from all over the world who are active in this important inter-disciplinary field have come together in the city of L'Aquila, in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, a few dozen miles away from Rome for ths second Conference in this series. As its major product, this book contains introductary lectures on various aspects of diffusion. Given the huge span of diffusion phenomena in society, nature and technology, the different chapters are intended to address both specialists and newcomers in the diffusion fields. In addition, more than 60 short reports, referring to the poster sessions, provide an impressive overview of the hot topics of current research. Graced with 24 paintings by the Japanese physicist and artist, Taro Ito, diffusion science and technology is offered with a pinch of local air, making this book also a nice souvenir of a remarkable historic Italian city.