Physics 754: Properties of Surfaces and Interfaces-Fall 2008

Professor T. P. Pearl
Department of Physics
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7518
Phone: (919) 513-7360; Fax: (919) 513-0670
Office: 153 Partners III and 404 Riddick; Lab: 173, 173A, 175A, 107 Partners III
Email: tppearl @ ncsu.edu
Web: http://www.physics.ncsu.edu/pearl/
Suggested Text: Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces, Harald Ibach (Springer, 2006)
Lecture Schedule: MW, 1:30-2:45 PM, 143 Partners III
Credit: 3 hrs.
Office Hours: by appointment
Prerequisite: PY552

Topics covered
The course will focus on the fundamental physics and chemistry associated with crystalline surfaces and interfaces including those of metals, semiconductors, and insulators.  We will cover crystalline structure, thermodynamics, adsorption, vibrational excitations, and electronic structure.  A heavy emphasis will be placed on current literature and experimental techniques.

Lecture Notes and Resources

Tentative Lecture Schedule
Lecture topic
 Reading (text ch.)
 Dates
Crystal Structure and surface lattices
 1
 20, 25, 27 Aug.
Experimental and computational techniques
 2
 3, 8, 15 Sept.
Overview of basic surface and interfacial concepts
 3
 17, 22, 24 Sept.
Equilibrium thermodynamics
 4
 29 Sept., 1, 6 Oct.
Statistical thermodynamics of surfaces
 5
 13, 15, 20 Oct.
Surface adsorption
 6
 22, 27, 29 Oct.
Vibrational excitations at surfaces
 7
 3, 5, 10 Nov.
Electronic properties
 8
 12, 17, 19 Nov.
Diffusion at surfaces
 10
 24 Nov.,  1, 3 Dec.
Student final project presentations
 TBA
 TBA

Grade Structure
Weekly quizzes: 40%
Literature review: 20%
Research Proposal/Final Project:  40%

Remainder of Syllabus:
1. Policies on attendance, (excused and unexcused) absences, and scheduling makeup work: While not explicitly a quantitative portion of your grade computation, class attendance and participation are critical aspects of the course.   Definition of excused absences:  Attendance Regulation (REG02.20.3)

2. Academic Integrity statement, which consists of:
University policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct Policy ( POL11.35.1)
Utilization of the Honor Pledge:  "I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment." This is true for all assignments, tests, and the final project.  I expect honesty in the completion of all work in the course which includes not using grading keys and completed assignments from past versions of the course, using the internet to find solutions, or allowing others in any fashion to complete the work for you.

3. Statement for students with disabilities:
"Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1)"

8 August 2008