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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, Dr. Sebastian Siol
Former title: Surfaces, Interfaces and their Applications I.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:44

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
moodle open book (access restricted to material uploaded on the Moodle site of the course)
Digital
The examination takes place on your own device. Installation of SEB required.
BYOD examination: To participate in the examination, please bring your personal laptop with a fully charged battery and the current version of Safe Exam Browser.Continuous assessment:- Weekly graded Moodle exercises (2 h/week +1 h/week review). Multiple choice. Up for 0.25 points bonus if at least 80% of the weekly exercises are correctly solved.- Two Interim written examinations on Moodle: 30 minutes, 20% of the final grade, if grade higher than final grade.- if the grade in one interim exam is greater than the final exam grade, thenGtot= 0,9 x Gfin + 0,1 x Gint1 + bonus- if the grade in two interim exams is greater than the final exam grade, thenGtot= 0,8 x Gfin + 0,1 x Gint1 + 0,1 x Gint2 + bonus- if the grade of the final exam is greater than the grades in both interim exams, thenGtot= Gfin + bonus

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 4)
3 h weekly

Offered In