Condensed Matter II:Interfaces & Nanostructures

Problem set 1

1. What is surface modification, and why is it important in the field of sur-

face science?

2. What are the different types of surface modification techniques, and how
do they differ from each other?

3. What are some of the emerging applications of surface modification?

4. Imagine a cube made of copper, with a side length (L) of 1 cm. Calcu-
late its volume (V) and total surface area (S). Find the surface-to-volume ratio
(SVR). Now, cut the cube into 8 equal pieces (with a side length (L) of 0.5
cm) and calculate the new V, S, and SVR. Repeat this process when the cube
is divided into (a) 27, (b) 64, (c) 125, (d) 216, and (e) 343 equal pieces. Plot
graphs of S vs L, V vs L, and SVR vs L. What conclusion can you draw from
these results with respect to surface science?

5. In surface science research ultra-high vacuum (UHV) is crucial, allowing

for the study of surface phenomena at the atomic and molecular levels. Explain
the significance of UHV in terms of pressure, particle number density, mean free
path, impingement rate, and monolayer deposition time (Hint: lecture-1, Slide
22).

6. Mention at least one surface probing technique related to electrons, electric

field, ions, thermal treatment, photons, surface acoustic waves, neutral particles,
and magnetic field as specified in lecture-1 (slide-14). Explain the basic work-
ing principle of these techniques. (Example: scanning tunneling microscopy uses
electrons to probe surface properties and works on the principle of quantum
mechanical tunneling.)