The explosion of the science of mesoscopic structures is having a great impact on physics and electrical engineering because of the possible applications of these structures in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices of the future. This volume of Solid State Physics consists of two comprehensive and authoritative articles that discuss most of the physical problems that have so far been identified as being of importance in semiconductor nanostructures. Much of the volume is tutorial in characture — while at the same time time presenting current and vital theoretical and experimental results and a copious reference list — so it will be essential reading to all those taking a part in the research and development of this emerging technology.