In its most general context, the term ?materials measurements? denotes operations to distinguish qualitatively and to determine quantitatively characteristics of materials. As materials constitute the physical matter of all products ? machines, devices, plants, commodities, means of information, communication, transport, habitation and energy supply ? materials measurements have a wide scope and impact for science and technology, economy and society. Springer Handbook of Materials Measurement Methods compiles advanced methods for materials measurement and characterization methods from the macroscopic to the nanometer scale.