Interfaces Structure and energetics

The expression interface strictly denotes the two-dimensional transition region between three-dimensional regions that are homogeneous in the equilibrium case. However, in general, this transition region is not limited to a single contact plane, but can itself be extended (cf. Section 5.4.4). 

In the case of high-angle grain boundaries (see Fig. 5.21) both the extended dislocation models and coincidence site lattice models have proven worthwhile. The 

Amorphous phases axe to be expected, in particular, at high-energy interfaces (cf. Fig. 5.22). This can be a mere consequence of double-layer repulsion. Beyond that, van der Waals effects [141] as well as structural effects play a great role. 

The tunnelling current between surface atoms and atoms of the scanning tip depends sensitively on their distance When the tunnelling current is held constant an approximate image of the surface structure may be generated in this way [145]. 

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