Entry requirements

120 credits with courses in Quantum Mechanics, Atom and Molecular Physics and Solid State Physics.

Learning outcomes

The course will prepare for fundamental and applied research within surface physics and related fields, such as material science, material chemistry and nanoscience. After the course the student should have acquired an understanding of surface properties and phenomena, including electronic and geometric structure as well as physical processes and chemical reactions. In addition the student should be able to assimilate modern scientific literature in the field.

Content

Surface structure, stability and reactivity. Surface crystallography. Reconstructions and relaxation. Surface sensitive analysis methods based on photons, electrons and ions. Surface electronic structure. Band theory and molecular orbital theory. Surface states and resonances. Experimental methods for surface electronic structure. Adsorption of atoms and molecules. Different types of bonding. Kinematics and dynamics of surface processes. Reactions on surfaces. Heterogeneous catalysis.Epitaxial growth. Layer-by-layer growth and island formation. Properties of interfaces. Adhesion energies. Seregations. Electronic states at interfaces. Metal-semiconductor junctions. Schottky barriers. Research presentations: Magnetic overlayers, clusters, bio surfaces, nano-porous materials.

Practicals: XPS and STM

Instruction

Teaching is in English when necessary.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Passed lab-practicals are also required.