The mysteries of surface physics

Surface science is used in a wide range of applications, from catalysis to solar panels, and currently is one of the most researched topics. However, in spite of the numerous studies that tried to decipher the mechanisms underlying the effects that take place at a metallic surface, some things continue to be difficult, if not impossible to predict.

The difficulties arise due to the fact that surface science is mainly a quantic phenomenon, with subatomic effects that often give rise to surprising and counter-intuitive macroscopic effects.

In this short presentation, Andrei Stefancu a young researcher from the physics department of UBB, will try to just scratch the surface of this hot topic in science as best as he knows, in an intuitive and comprehensive way.