Optical Spectroscopy of Surfaces and Interfaces

The elucidation of the dynamical interaction of atoms and molecule in various charged or excited states with surfaces is a major scientific challenge at the present time. Surface and interface dynamics also form the basis for understanding a number of technologically important issues, including surface and thin film growth, chemical reactions at surfaces and surface phase transitions. Optical spectroscopy of surfaces and interfaces comprises a variety of linear and non-linear optical techniques that have the potential to study optical, electronic, magnetic and vibronic properties at surfaces and interfaces.

This conference will bring together active researchers and students from universities and institutes to discuss recent developments and future directions in different fields of optical spectroscopy at surfaces and interfaces. Its goal is the understanding of the potential of the different optical techniques with respect to interface analysis, their present status and their possible limits. All kind of interface systems may be discussed. However, interfaces formed by well-understood semiconductors and metals on one side should be in the focus of the meeting. The meeting will focus not only on well-understood semiconductor and metal interfaces, but also on thin layers, rough surfaces, low dimensional structures formed by self-organization through interaction with the substrate, organic and ferromagnetic layers, and possibly other structures.