First published in 1979, this is a self-contained account of the theory
of surface physics. In drawing together many results only previously
reported in research papers, the authors emphasise basic disciplines
such as electrodynamics and electron gas theory and demonstrate their
application to simple models. Connections between intuitive derivations
and more rigourous formulations are explained and there is an extensive
treatment of the general problem of matching at a surface as a
mathematical formalism with a physical meaning. Commonly recurring
concepts such as surface modes, Green functions and phase shifts link
different parts of the book, so giving coherence to the theory as a
whole. A good background in physics is assumed but no previous
acquaintance with surface physics. Starting from first principles, the
reader is led from elementary analysis to the level of current research
literature. The book is thus suitable for postgraduate students,
post-doctoral workers or anyone wanting a systematic introduction to the
field.