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327-0505-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL
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Surfaces and Interfaces I: Fundamentals, Analytics and Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Manfred Paul Heuberger, Prof. Dr. Lucio Isa
Extended course starting HS23. Old title: Surfaces, Interfaces and their Applications I. Students who obtained credit points for the old course cannot retake it.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:31

Abstract

This course teaches the basics of surface and interface science and technology, including surface modifications and forces. It covers various analytical techniques to study surface and interface properties, and explores phenomena of applied relevance like friction, lubrication, phoresis, and wetting where surfaces play a crucial role.

Objective

Students are able to - describe the physical and chemical properties of surfaces and interfaces. - analyze and compare analytical tools for surfaces. - choose and combine appropriate surface-analytical approaches for solving problems connected to applications. - understand and explain the importance of surfaces and interfaces in a broad range of phenomena and applications.

Content

- Introduction to surfaces and interfaces - Structure of surfaces over different length scales: from macroscopic roughness to atomic structure - Surface modifications - Adsorption and adsorption models - Surface forces - Basic physical concepts - Thermodynamics of surfaces and interfaces - Measurement of intermolecular and surface forces - Dynamics and history effects - Surface analytics: X-ray Photocorrelation Spectroscopy (XPS) – principles and modern developments - Surface analytics: Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) and IR Spectroscopy – Principles and examples - Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Principles and modes of operation - Tribology: Adhesion, Friction and Lubrication - Contact mechanics - Micro and macroscale friction - Boundary lubrication - Wetting - Contact angles - Phoretic phenomena - Electric double layer and electrophoresis - Electro-osmosis - Other types of phoresis - Case studies

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script Download:https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=17455

Literature

Script Download: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=17455 Book: "Surface Analysis--The Principal Techniques", Ed. J.C. Vickerman, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-97292

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
open book (no digital aids)
Continuous assessment:- Weekly graded Moodle exercises (2 h/week +1 h/week review). Multiple choice. 0.25 points bonus- Two Interim examinations on Moodle: 30 minutes, 20% of the final gradeFinal grade = 0.8*Exam grade + 0.2*Exercise grade + bonus (up to 0.25 points)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Surfaces and Interfaces I: Fundamentals, Analytics and Applications
  • Mon 08:45-11:30 (HCI J 7)
3 h weekly

Offered In