Basic Theory of Surface States

Straightforward introduction to the theory of surface electronic states, accessible to all surface scientists with an understanding of quantum mechanics and some familiarity with solid state physics.

The theory of surface states underlies our knowledge of the behaviour of electrons at solid surfaces, which is of paramount importance in understanding the mechanisms by which solid-state devices operate and catalytic reactions proceed. Although the subject is viewed through the "theoretical eye" of a physicist, the topics are treated in an elementary fashion, so the book should also appeal to both theoretical and experimental surface scientists from chemistry, materials science, and electronic engineering. The main features of the presentation are: its pedagogical, model-based approach, detailed step-by-step derivations of all the equations, smooth progression through the simple wave-function matching techniques to the more sophisticated Green-function methods and, finally, the historical theme, which traces the evolution of the subject, from its funding by the Nobel Laureate Igor Tamm in 1932, through the invention of the transistor in 1947 by Shockley, Bardeen and Brattain, to the recent developments.

The theory of surface electronic states is a widely researched topic which underlies all our knowledge of the behaviour of electrons at solid surfaces. It is of paramount importance in understanding the mechanics by which solid-state devices operate and catalytic reactions proceed. Now available in paperback, this book provides the most current and straightforward introduction to the subject. Although the subject is viewed through the `theoretical eye'' of a physicist, the topics are treated in an elementary fashion. The book is therefore accessible to all surface scientists with an understanding of quantum mechanics and some familiarity with solid state physics.