COURSES

Goals

The objective of the course is to allow students to acquire a better understanding of the basic physical properties of surfaces and interfaces. An overview will also be given of the important experimental methods and measuring techniques for surface analysis. This objective is related to competences: - mastering of methods and techniques of scientific research of properties and structure of surfaces and interfaces, - ability to carry out independent as well as team R&D work, - ability to use the knowledge on surfaces in practice, - and partially also to the development of an integral way of thinking and the ability to communicate with experts from other disciplines and fields. Course Specific Competences: - The course provides necessary theoretical knowledge and prepares the students for independent research work.

Curriculum

- The structure of crystal surfaces; - Adsorption and growth of thin films from the gas phase; - Electronic properties of surfaces; - Phase transitions and reconstructions at solid surfaces; - Surface energy of solids and liquids, ahesion; - Interfaces of liquids and soft matter; - Forces between surfaces, DLVO-theory and stability of colloids; - The use of diffraction methods in surface analysis; - Auger (AES), X-ray photoemission (XPS) and secondary ion mass (SIMS) spectroscopies; - Transmission electron microscopy; - Scanning tunneling (STM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopies.