2022 Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Surface Physics
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Tomihiro Hashizume
- Class Format
- Lecture (Livestream)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 7-8 Mon
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.C445
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2022
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course covers atomic structure and electronic state at solid surfaces, and atomic dynamics, incorporating experimental data. Starting with the basics of crystallography, students are shown how atomic structure at surfaces are represented, and how to measure it through the scattering and diffraction of electrons and light in experiments. Students are also shown how on the surface a unique electronic state different from that within the crystal exists, and we prove it by using the photoelectric effect and tunnel effect to measure it. We finally cover diffusion, absorption, and desorption phenomena at solid surfaces. Studying solid physics is a prerequisite, but we will review it as needed.
Students will learn that physical phenomena at solid surfaces differ from bulks, and learn the basics of physical property measurement techniques specific to surfaces.
Course description and aims
As an introduction to surface science, this course covers physical phenomena of solid surfaces and the theory and calculation techniques for understanding them, as well as the methods for analyzing structure, electron state, and composition. We will also touch on topics of cutting-edge surface research, and experience how quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid physics influence surface research.
Keywords
surface atomic structures, surface electronic structures, surface dynamics, notation of surface structures, measurement methods, theoretical and simulation methods, photoelectric effect, electron tunneling, surface diffusion, adsorption, desorption, work function
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
In a regular didactic manner. Basic knowledge of solid state physics is favored but is also explained in the course.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | surface superstructures and their notation | To understand surface superstructures. |
| Class 2 | measurement methods of surface structures | To understand surface measurement methods. |
| Class 3 | work function and Schottky barrier | To understand work function. |
| Class 4 | surface electronic states and first principles calculation | To understand first principles calculation. |
| Class 5 | measurement methods of surface electronic states and atomic composition | To understand surface measurement methods of surface electronic states and atomic composition. |
| Class 6 | surface specific electronic properties | To understand surface electronic properties. |
| Class 7 | surface diffusion, desorption, and adsorption at surface | To understand diffusion, desorption, and adsorption phenomenon at surface. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Not specified.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
"Physics at surfaces", A. Zangwill, Cambridge University Press (1988).
Evaluation methods and criteria
By report submission.
Related courses
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY.S301 ： Statistical Mechanics
- PHY.C340 ： Basic Solid State Physics
Prerequisites
Not specified.