This book covers the experimental and theoretical understanding of surface and thin film processes. It presents a unique description of surface processes in adsorption and crystal growth, including bonding in metals and semiconductors. Emphasis is placed on the strong link between science and technology in the description of, and research for, new devices based on thin film and surface science. Practical experimental design, sample preparation and analytical techniques are covered, including detailed discussions of Auger electron spectroscopy and microscopy. Thermodynamic and kinetic models of structure are emphasised throughout. The book provides extensive leads into practical and research literature, as well as resources on the World Wide Web (see http://venables.asu.edu/book). Each chapter contains problems which aim to develop awareness of the subject and the methods used. Aimed as a graduate textbook, this book will also be useful as a sourcebook for graduate students, researchers and practitioners in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering.

‘Well-ordered, and extraordinarily well-referenced chapters … gives the reader an in-depth and bang-up-to-date guide to the fields covered.’

Ian Forbes Source: Materials World

‘John Venables provides a lively guide to the whole subject, including the underlying theoretical science, the essential technology, the maze of analytical methods, the growth of thin film materials, and many applications … Venable’s book provides a fitting introduction … well supported by an extensive bibliography and references to scientific journal papers, as well as his web page which provides further resources. there is also a set of problems on each chapter’s content, that could serve as tutorial topics … it encourages the effort needed to understand the more complex parts of this fascinating subject and I recommend the book to all seeking some understanding of surface science and technology.’

Professor J. I. B. Wilson Source: Contemporary Physics

‘… good interdisciplinary introduction to the science and technology of surfaces … a very solid, well written introductory book on surface science and technology which I highly recommend.’

Michael S. Isaacson Source: Scanning

‘J. A. Venables has written a very substantial Introduction to Surface and Thin Film Processes which goes far beyond microscopy and will certainly be seized upon avidly by surface ultramicroscopists … I suspect that most readers concerned with surfaces will not need to be told that they will be glad to have [this] book on their shelves.’

P. W. Hawkes Source: Untramicroscopy