Physics of surfaces and interfaces

Our field of research: Surfaces and interfaces

In everyday language, "interfaces" or "surfaces" are understood to be two-dimensional boundaries of three-dimensional objects. However, interfaces can also have a high degree of functional significance, as we know from everyday experience. Well-known examples are the friction between solid bodies (how could we walk or drive a car without friction?) or the wetting of water surfaces with oil films. Less obvious, but of immense importance for our modern world, are functional solid interfaces in technical products. Semiconductor interfaces in integrated circuits, catalyst and sensor interfaces are just a few examples of this. The aim of our work is to characterize the structural, electronic and chemical properties of such interfaces. In addition to standard methods of surface analysis, we use special methods of laser spectroscopy and microscopy, which have a very high interface and surface sensitivity and which are being further developed in our department.