Physics, solid-state terminology

The interfaces between a semiconductor and another semiconductor (e.g. the very important pin junction, the interface between p- and ft-type semiconductors), between a semiconductor and a metal (the Schottky barrier) and between a semiconductor and an electrolyte are the subject of solid-state physics, using a nomenclature different from electrochemical terminology. 

The engineering principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena, as well as the chemistry and physics of molecnlar strncture, serve as the basis for the remaining topics in this book. In this chapter, we look at what for many applications is the primary materials selection criterion mechanical properties. As in the previous chapter, we focns primarily on the properties of materials, bnt discnss briefly the mechanics, both in the fluid and solid states, that give rise to the properties. There is a great deal of new terminology in this chapter, and it is cumnlative—take time to nnderstand all the definitions before proceeding to the next section. 

In order to find the domain of LCVD, it is necessary to compare various vacuum deposition processes chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD), plasma-assisted CVD (PACVD), plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), and plasma polymerization (PP). All of these terms refer to methods or processes that yield the deposition of materials in a thin-film form in vacuum. There is no clear definition for these terms that can be used to separate processes that are represented by these terminologies. All involve the starting material in vapor phase and the product in the solid state. 

A gas is a physical state of matter generally characterized by low density and viscosity and the abilities to greatly expand and contract with changes in temperature and pressure, mix completely with other gases, and occupy any container uniformly. These features are particularly striking when contrasted to the other states of matter, liquid and solid. See Terminology, Liquid, p.241. Terminology, Solid, p.247. 

Symbols and Terminology for Physical and Chemical Quantities Solid State ... 

Classical physics defines three states of matter solid, liquid, and gas. It provides adequate models of gaseous and solid states. The liquid state is somewhat more difficult to characterize, due to several critical obstacles. In addition, little attention has previously been paid to boundary states (coexistence of any two or even all three states at certain thermodynamic conditions). Different sciencific disciplines created separate terminologies such as metamaterials, which properties derive from artificially created periodic microstructure. Concepts such as multiphase heterogeneous or particularly ordered media or complex materials have appeared. Finally the Nobel winner in physics J.-P. de Germes (de Gennes, 1992) united all terminologies under a common term soft materials ... 

The aim of this chapter is to present briefly the development of physical adsorption (physisorption) from the earliest works on the subject until the up to date state of theory as well as basic principles of this process. In many cases the concepts and results - and usually terminology - date back several decades. Therefore, the state of the art of physisorption will be preceded by a brief review of the main events of the history of physical adsorption, with some emphasis on theory. We will dwell mainly on the physisorption at the solid/gas interface. 

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