Jukka A. Räty Bücher

Water is essential for life, and its properties have been extensively studied by scientists, while engineers have utilized it in various industrial processes to enhance product quality. Understanding the physico-chemical properties of liquids is crucial in life sciences, particularly with the growing interest in liquids containing nanoparticles. This trend is driven by advancements in drug development and delivery, which increasingly rely on nanoparticles. Optical metrology is becoming vital in the high-throughput screening of potential drug molecules. However, process liquids in life sciences and industrial settings often exhibit unpredictable behavior, making monitoring challenging. Optical sensing through reflectometry offers a solution for assessing the quality of both transparent and turbid liquids. This book stands out by integrating theory and practical reflectometry in one volume. It is recommended for both beginners and professionals involved in research or work with various liquids in academic or engineering contexts. The content is beneficial for physicists, chemists, and engineers, covering essential topics such as basic physics, optics, optical spectrum analysis, and the construction of reflectometers. The authors extend their gratitude to Professor Rauno Aulaskari for his assistance with Appendix B and to Dr. Chun Ye for his valuable feedback.