The last decade has seen a rapid development and growing importance in
the application of nuclear physics methods to material sciences. It is a
general desire to understand modern material problems on a microscopic
scale, which, due to their inherent microscopic nature, made nuclear
techniques highly suitable tools for basic and applied research in this
field. The Advanced Study Institute on "Nuclear Physics Applications on
Ma- terials Science" brought together scientists active in different but
closely re- lated fields to review and discuss selected topics of bulk
properties of metals, semiconductors and insulators as well as
properties of surfaces, interfaces and thin films. Most of the excellent
lectures and oral presentations of the School are collected in part I of
the present volume, while extended abstracts of scientific work
presented as posters are added in part II. The pleasant site of the ASI
at Viana do Castelo and the northern province of Portugal, Alto Minho,
provided the stimulating atmosphere for an in- spiring School. Many
people contributed to the scientific and social success of the
institute. Thanks are especially due to the members of the local
organizing committee, N. Ayres de Campos, M. Fernanda da Silva, A.
Pedroso de Lima and my co-director J. Carvalho Soares. His permanent
involvement in preparing and realization of the ASI was essential for
this memorable School.