This graduate-level textbook covers the major developments in surface sciences of recent decades, from experimental tricks to the latest experimental methods and theoretical understanding. It gives the subject a unique treatment supported by graphs and illustrations.

This graduate-level textbook covers major developments in surface sciences of recent decades. It is unique in its attempt to treat the physics of surfaces, thin films and interfaces, surface chemistry, thermodynamics, statistical physics and the physics of the solid/electrolyte interface in an integral manner, rather than in separate compartments. The Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces functions as a handbook for the researcher as well as a study-text for graduate students in physics or chemistry with special interest in the surface sciences, material science, or the nanosciences. Readers will likewise appreciate the wide range of topics treated, each supported by extensive references. Graduate students will benefit from the elementary introductions to experimental techniques and the clear presentations of the theory behind the techniques and the phenomena. Wherever possible, physical concepts are emphasized and the mathematical notation kept to a minimum; the written explanations are supported by 350 graphs and illustrations.

Covers the major developments in surfaces sciences of the last decades, from experimental tricks and basic techniques to the latest developments in experimental methods and theoretical understanding. Uniquely integrates the physics of surfaces, thin films and interfaces, surface chemistry, thermodynamics, statistical physics and the physics of the solid/electrolyte interfaces in an integral approach Provides both a reference book for the researcher as well as a study-text for graduate students in physics or chemistry with special interest in the surface sciences, material science, or the nanosciences. Offers many insights and hints that have grown out of the authors' decades-long experience. Readers may likewise appreciate the large variety of different topics treated, and covered with extended references. Graduate students may benefit from the elementary introductions to the experimental techniques and to the theory behind the techniques and the phenomena. Stresses physical concepts to keep the mathematical notation to a minimum, and 350 graphs and illustrations support the textual content.

Autorentext

Since 1974 Director at the Institute of Interface Physics and Vacuum Research, Presently Institute of Thin Films and Interfaces

1986 Medard W. Welch Award of ther American Vacuum Society: "For the development of high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and its application to the characterization of surfaces and adsorbates"

1989 Regent's Professor, University of California, Irvine

1991 Hewlett-Packard Europhysics Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Solid State Physics (with G. Ertl und J.P. Toennies)

1993 Miller Research professor, University of California, Berkeley

Inhalt
Structure of Surfaces.- Basic Techniques.- Basic Concepts.- Equilibrium Thermodynamics.- Statistical Thermodynamics of Surfaces.- Adsorption.- Vibrational Excitations at Surfaces.- Electronic Properties.- Magnetism.- Diffusion at Surfaces.- Nucleation and Growth.