Layered crystals, characterized by a quasi-two-dimensional character of
certain physical properties, play an interesting role in surface
science. First of all they provide excellent inert substrates for
epitaxial deposition and physisorption studies. The surfaces of layered
crystals, however, are interesting in their own right because they make
a relevant class of low-dimensional phenomena accessible to surface
probes. Change density waves, incommensurate structures, phonon
anomalies and high Tc superconductivity are well known
examples.
This book collects a series of review articles written by outstanding
specialists on the structural assessment and spectroscopy of layered
structures with surface-sensitive probes such as scanning microscopy and
helium atom scattering, the theoretical analysis of their electronic and
vibrational surface states, and the investigation of physisorbed
overlayers.