Fundamentals of Surface and Nanoscale Science

• Surface structure analysis
• 2D crystallography
• Reciprocal & real space imaging
• Electron spectroscopy
• For surface chemical analysis
• For electronic structure
• Elementary processes at surfaces
• Vibrational properties & excitations
• Adsorption/Desorption
• Surface diffusion
• Surface chemical reactions
• Magnetism at interfaces
• Interaction with light
• Self-assembly at surfaces
• Thin film epitaxy
• Atomic/molecular manipulation and quantum confinement
• Electron transport in nanosized objects
• Molecular electronics and spintronics

After the module students have acquired basic knowledge of surface science concepts and techniques, including 2D-crystallography, elemental and chemical analysis at surfaces, electronic, vibrational and magnetic properties of surfaces, adsorbate bond formation, surface dynamical processes like diffusion, adsorption and desorption, and surface chemical reactions in heterogenous catalysis. Students have learned which kinds of nanoscale objects and nanostructured surfaces exist. Their properties are discussed as well as the underlying fabrication schemes, including top-down and bottom-up approaches. Special emphasis will be put on self-assembly & self-organized growth processes. Examples for applications of nano-objects in chemistry (catalysis) and electronics/spintronics will conclude this module.

While there are no strict requirements, previous exposure to quantum mechanics and thermal physics and the basic notions of atomic, molecular & condensed matter physics will be helpful.

Lecture and tutorial classes including beamer presentation with slides, discussion, board work, exercises, case studies and visits to on-campus laboratories.

Class room presentation, lecture notes, exercise sheets, lab tours, supplementary literature.

• K. Oura, V.G. Lifshits, A.A. Saranin, A.V. Zotov, M. Katayama "Surface Science", Springer, Berlin 2003; ISBN 3-540-00545-5; department library. (Comprehensive introduction to surface science; very good overview. Provides the base for the 'surface' part of the course.)
• A. Zangwill "Physics at surfaces", Cambridge University Press 1988; Library of E20 and: B.18.K 117.– (Very good introductory textbook.)
• H. Ibach "Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces", Springer, Berlin 2006. (Surface and interface phenomenal including electrochemistry; particularly recommendable chapters on surface vibrations, transport and growth processes, magnetism; experimental and theoretical aspects well balanced.)
• H. Lüth "Surfaces and Interfaces of Solid Materials", Springer, Berlin 2001, Library of E20 and: B.18.K 151 (Introductory book on surface science with emphasis on semiconductors; very useful panels on experimental techniques.)
• A. Groß "Theoretical Surface Science: A Microscopic Perspective", Springer, Berlin 2003 ISBN: 3-540-43903-X; library of E20 and department library. (Excellent overview on elementary surface processes and on theoretical concepts to deal with them; very recommendable also for experimentalists.)
• F. Bechstedt "Principles of Surface Physics", Springer 2003, ISBN: 3-540-00635-4, B.18.K.80.2004 A 1 (Excellent overview on elementary surface processes and on theoretical concepts to deal with them; very recommendable also for experimentalists.)

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.