Understanding Surface and Thin Film Science

This book provides a practical and experimental introduction to the materials science of surfaces and thin films, connecting concepts with controlled variables in a laboratory setting. It takes a visual approach with illustrations of deposition and characterization techniques, includes worked examples, and offers conceptually clear and mathematically simple explanations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Apple Academic Press Inc.

This comprehensive textbook offers a thorough and practical introduction to the field of materials science, focusing specifically on surfaces and thin films. It seamlessly connects the essential concepts with the variables controlled in a laboratory setting, aiding in the understanding of experimental design and the interpretation of results. With a visual approach, the book features numerous illustrations of experimental deposition and characterization techniques, allowing readers to gain a deep insight into the atomic-level phenomena occurring on surfaces and thin films. Each chapter includes worked examples and problems, reinforcing the understanding of the material covered. Written in a clear and concise manner, the textbook provides conceptually clear and mathematically simple explanations, making it accessible to students with a range of backgrounds. Whether you are a materials science student, researcher, or industry professional, this textbook is an invaluable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the materials science of surfaces and thin films.

Introduction:
Materials science plays a crucial role in advancing technological innovations and improving our daily lives. Surfaces and thin films, which are at the interface between materials and the environment, are particularly important in this field. This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to the materials science of surfaces and thin films, focusing on the fundamental concepts and experimental techniques.
Chapter 1:
In this chapter, we will explore the basic principles of surfaces and thin films. We will discuss the definition, properties, and classification of surfaces and thin films, as well as the factors that influence their behavior. We will also introduce the concept of surface energy and its role in determining the properties of surfaces and thin films.
Chapter 2:
In this chapter, we will delve into the experimental techniques used to characterize surfaces and thin films. We will discuss the principles of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), including its applications in surface topography, surface chemistry, and surface physics. We will also introduce other experimental techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.
Chapter 3:
In this chapter, we will focus on the deposition of surfaces and thin films. We will discuss the principles of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD). We will also explore the techniques used for thin film growth, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD).
Chapter 4:
In this chapter, we will examine the properties of surfaces and thin films. We will discuss the surface chemistry, including surface adsorption, surface oxidation, and surface wetting. We will also explore the electronic properties of surfaces and thin films, including their band structures, electrical conductivity, and optical properties.
Chapter 5:
In this chapter, we will discuss the applications of surfaces and thin films in various industries. We will explore the use of surfaces and thin films in electronic devices, such as displays, sensors, and transistors. We will also discuss the use of surfaces and thin films in energy harvesting, such as solar cells and fuel cells.
Chapter 6:
In this chapter, we will explore the theoretical models used to describe the behavior of surfaces and thin films. We will discuss the principles of surface physics, including the theory of elasticity, the theory of surface tension, and the theory of capillary forces. We will also introduce the concept of molecular dynamics and its application in modeling surface and thin film behavior.
Conclusion:
Materials science of surfaces and thin films is a rapidly evolving field with numerous applications. This textbook provides a solid foundation for understanding the fundamentals and experimental techniques involved in this field. By connecting the essential concepts with the variables controlled in a laboratory setting, it aids, in understanding experimental design and the interpretation of results. With a visual approach, the book features numerous illustrations of experimental deposition and characterization techniques, allowing readers to gain a deep insight into the atomic-level phenomena occurring on surfaces and thin films. Each chapter includes worked examples and problems, reinforcing the understanding of the material covered. Written in a clear and concise manner, the textbook provides conceptually clear and mathematically simple explanations, making it accessible to students with a range of backgrounds. Whether you are a materials science student, researcher, or industry professional, this textbook is an invaluable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the materials science of surfaces and thin films.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 184 x 261 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781482233032