The Surface Science Laboratory

The Surface Science Laboratory (Laboratorio Fisica delle Superfici - LFS) was established in 1999, on the basis of a specific agreement between the Sincrotrone Trieste ScpA and the Physics Department of the Trieste University. The purpose is twofold:

• pursuing a common scientific program in the surface science field, with particular attention to the study of the structure and reactivity of metal surfaces;
• training young scientists in this research field.

Many collaborations with scientists from Elettra have been established, in particular with the SuperESCA group. One of this collaborations regards the design and construction of a supersonic molecular beam for gas-surface interaction studies, under the responsibility of A. Baraldi.

Most of the researchers from the Physics Department are also affiliated to the F5 research line of the TASC-INFM laboratory. Selected scientific reports can be found in the TASC 1998-2000 Activity Report

Two instruments are available in the laboratory:

• an Omicron variable temperature STM system, which can be operated in the 120 K - 600 K range and allows direct reading of the sample temperature during image acquisition. The system is equipped with a turbo pump, which can be operated during image acquisition, thus allowing surface chemical reactivity to be investigated. Metal Evaporation in the STM stage is possible;
• a LEED/XPS system, which is presently undergoing a major redesign in order to allow Photoelectron Diffraction and LEED I/V data to be acquired in the same experimental system.

Since the academic year 2000/2001, the LFS hosts the laboratory activities of the "Laboratorio di Struttura della Materia" Course of the Undergraduate Program in Physics of the Trieste University.

Contacts

Giovanni Comelli
email giovanni.comelli@elettra.trieste.it
tel: + 39 040 375 8342