After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand the concepts and research questions in modern surface physics.  They should also be able to  critically evaluate the suitability of surface characterization techniques for a variety of applications in fundamental and applied research.

Fundamentals of the most important methods for the analysis of the chemical composition of surfaces (Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy) and  the crystallographic structure (Low Energy Electron Diffraction, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy).  Extension of the models known from solid state physics to the surfaces of solids. Models to describe the interaction of atoms and molecules with solid surfaces (adsorption, desorption and nucleation). Model for describing the segregation at surface and description of the crystallograhic structure of surfaces (reconstruction and relaxation). Physics of nanostructures. Scriptum is available at every lecture

The material and theoretical background is explained during class. Discussions of case studies are supplemented by interactive exercises.  It is possible to visit the surface physics laboratory. 

The course consists of two modules.

I. Module: Surface Characterization Methods (in conjunction with course Physical Analysis, 134.048)

II. Module: Fundamentals of Surface Physics (in conjunction with course Surface Physics, 134.165)

Lectures: 

I.1. Introduction und Vacuum Physics and Technology (134.048 Diebold)

I.2. Ion-based techniques  (134.048 Diebold)

I.3. Scanning Probe Microscopy I  (134.048 Diebold)

I.4. Scanning Probe Microscopy II  (134.048 Diebold)

I.5. Particle-Solid Interaction  (134.048 Werner)

I.6. Electron Spectroscopy I  (134.048 Werner)

I.7. Electron Spectroscopy II  (134.048 Werner)

II.1. Introduction, technical requirements, surface crystallography (134.165 Diebold)

II.2. Surfaces of metals, reconstructions (134.165 Diebold) 

II.3. Surface energy, Wulff construction (134.165 Diebold) 

II.4. Low-energy electron diffraction, surface symmetry groups (134.165 Diebold) 

II.5. Surfaces of semiconductors (134.165 Diebold) 

The understanding of the physical and chemical concepts of surface science will be discussed together with the student. 

Registration is also possible per email

ulrike.diebold@tuwien.ac.at

For lecture notes for Part I (Surface Analysis) -> See Physikalische Analytik (134.048)

For lecture for notes Part II (Surface Physics) - send an email to diebold@iap.tuwien.ac.at