Practical Electron Microscopy and Database

The atomic structure of solids at surfaces and interfaces is often found to be significantly different from the bulk. In materials science, understanding these differences is crucial because the atomic structure at these regions significantly influences the material's overall behavior and performance. Surfaces represent the outermost atomic layers of a material, where atoms experience different bonding environments due to the absence of neighboring atoms on one side, leading to surface reconstruction, altered atomic spacing, and unique electronic properties. Interfaces, on the other hand, occur where two different materials or phases meet, and they often exhibit complex atomic arrangements due to the need to accommodate the differing lattice structures, bonding characteristics, and chemical compositions of the adjoining materials. These interfaces can host defects, dislocations, and other structural anomalies that play a critical role in determining the mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties of the material. Bulk refers to the interior region of the material, where atoms are typically arranged in a more regular, repeating lattice structure, and are not influenced by external surfaces or interfaces. The atomic structure in the bulk is usually more stable and homogeneous compared to the surface or interface. By examining the differences in atomic structure between these regions, researchers can better understand and engineer materials with specific properties for applications ranging from microelectronics to structural components in aerospace.