School on Surface Analytical Techniques 10.-13. April 2012

Scope: The primary objective of this workshop is a sustainable program centered on detailed discussions of analytical methods and data analysis flavored by selected topics of Colloid and Interface Science. The interfacial regions between bulk media, although often comprising only a fraction of the material present, are frequently the site of reactions and phenomena that dominate the macroscopic properties of the entire system. Hence, the understanding of the self-organization of molecules at interfaces and their corresponding static and dynamic properties defines a central theme of Colloid and Interface Science. Linear and nonlinear optical reflection techniques, X-ray and neutrons scattering and the scanning probe techniques are powerful tools in the armory of surface scientists that deepened our understanding of the interfacial architecture. Unfortunately, presentations at international conferences provide at most overviews of applications of scientific methods, but do not allow a meaningful in-depth discussion of the particular experimental and theoretical background. Textbooks provide sound information, but there is a lag time between the development of new methods and their incorporation in textbooks and University courses. Our workshop should bridge this gap and is designed for motivated PhD students and Post-docs in the field of Colloid and Interface Science. The major objective is to discuss modern surface analytical tools that increased our understanding of fluid interfaces. Selected surface analytical tools are presented in tutorial review style by scientists using these techniques in their daily research. The information is then discussed and deepened in small workgroups on the basis of problem sheets. The interaction and active discussion of the participants is a crucial element of our workshop. Each tutorial consists of a 45 minute lecture, 90 minute exercises in small workgroups under the guidance of an experienced tutor and a 30 minute discussion of the solution with conclusions

Institute of Physical and Theoretical ChemistryUniversity of Regensburg

Scientific program:

Interactions of Light and Matter: Particulate FilmsProf. Ger Koper, TU Delft, Netherlands

Quartz MicrobalanceProf. Diethelm Johannsmann, TU Clausthal, FRG

Electrochemistry and Soft InterfacesProf. Robert Hillman, University of Leicester, UK

Neutron ScatteringProf. Jeff Penfold, ISIS Oxford, UK

Surface Forces Prof. Michael Borkovec, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Sensors and Thin FilmsProf. Janos Vörös, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

Nanostructures Surfaces studied by SERR-Spectroscopy Dr. Inez Weidinger, TU Berlin, Germany

Surface SpectroscopyProf. Hubert Motschmann, University of RegensburgDeadlines:

www.school-on-surfaces.euFor 20 students we can provide a grant of 600 Euro.

Deadlines:Application for a grant: Mar 1, 2012Registration until March 20, 2012

We are looking forward to seeing you in Regensburg!www.school-on-surfaces.eu

This event is supported by COST action 1101.