The transformation of one kind of energy into another accompanies all processes in our world, and frequently
also propels them. Many of these transformations - like the chemical reactions of catalysts or
in sensors, or the mechanical friction or dispersion of charge carriers in microprocessors -
take place at surfaces, or at the interfaces of solid materials.
The SFB616 targets the clarification of these elementary procedures through the energy dissipation at surfaces. The program of the SFB616 is broadly designed and comprises the whole spectrum of stimulation and relaxation from the eV regime (particle interaction, laser stimulation, reactions and surfaces) through phonons and frictions losses in the meV regime to the meV area (electromigration)
Here is a short introduction to ultrafast surface photochemistry in the VUV.
The STM was invented by Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer who won the Physics Nobel Prize in 1986 for this achievement. You can learn more about Binning and Rohrer by visiting the Nobel Prize Archive
Lots of STM image galleries exist. For instance, here's one from the Technische Universität Wien.
Here's another from RHK Technologies.
And, of course, IBM since they invented it and also scientists at IBM (Manoharan, Lutz & Eigler) produced one of the images that is on the cover of the textbook.
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