Thin Film and Interface Microanalysis

The science and technology of microanalytical techniques will be discussed. We consider ways to characterize the structural, compositional, morphological, electronic, optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties of surfaces and interfaces. We will talk about different types of surface analytical techniques that rely on the use of electrons, photons, ions, and sharp tips to learn about different aspects about surfaces. We also discuss strategies on how to combine such techniques to gain a more complete and quantitative picture of a surface. We will also describe the inner workings and design of the hardware involved in analyzing surfaces.*Prerequisite: some prior exposure to atomic and electronic structure of solids