Revolution in Surface Science: From Reciprocal Space to Real Space.

摘要

Surfaces play an important role in a wide range of phenomena that are technological important - from corrosion and catalysis to the fabrication and operation of solid state electronics - not to mention their central role in all biological processes. Despite the undisputed importance of surfaces, this field has not blossomed until the middle of this century. This arises from the fact that physical and chemical processes at surfaces are fare more difficult to detect and analyze than in the bulk due to the inherently small amount of material at a surface as well as the reduced symmetry there. Another major factor in the delayed development of surface science has been the need for vacuum technology to allow controlled studies of well-defined surfaces. In its evolution surface science has depended upon the development of vacuum technology and has been driven by the need to understand and harness surfaces in order to solve a variety of problems. Reprints. (JHD)