This book emphasises both experimental and theoretical aspects of surface, interface and thin film physics. As in previous editions the preparation of surfaces and thin films, their atomic and morphological, their vibronic and electronic properties as well as fundamentals of adsorption are treated. Because of their importance in modern information technology and nanostructure physics particular emphasis is paid to electronic surface and interface states, semiconductor space charge layers and heterostructures as well as to superconductor/semiconductor interfaces and magnetic thin films. The latter topic was significantly extended in this new edition by more details about the giant magnetoresistance and a section about the spin-transfer torque mechanism including one new problem as exercise. Two new panels about Kerr-effect and spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy were added, too. Furthermore, the meanwhile important group III-nitride surfaces and high-k oxide/semiconductor interfaces are shortly discussed in this new 5th edition of the book.
From the reviews of the fifth edition:
"This book, which is now in its fifth edition, is used as a text in many universities around the world. It offers clear coverage of both theoretical and experimental aspects of the treated subjects, making it almost unique in the area of surfaces and interfaces. ... The book also contains panels that review basic concepts and applications. ... book is a must-have for anybody studying solid-state physics. It is highly recommended for advanced students and researchers in the area of solid-state physics and nanotechnology." (Daniela Dragoman, Optics & Photonics News, March, 2011)
"This book, which is now in its fifth edition, is used as a text in many universities around the world. It offers clear coverage of both theoretical and experimental aspects of the treated subjects, making it almost unique in the area of surfaces and interfaces. ... The book also contains panels that review basic concepts and applications. ... book is a must-have for anybody studying solid-state physics. It is highly recommended for advanced students and researchers in the area of solid-state physics and nanotechnology." (Daniela Dragoman, Optics & Photonics News, March, 2011)