Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces, Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2006

This graduate-level textbook covers the major developments in surface sciences of recent decades, from experimental tricks and basic techniques to the latest experimental methods and theoretical understanding. 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. It is designed as a handbook for the researcher as well as a study-text for graduate students. Written explanations are supported by 350 graphs and illustrations.

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

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.