This second edition of the excellent reference work has been supplemented by such up-to-date topics as depletion forces, surface modification by plasma polymerization, principles of lithography, or inverse gas chromatography, while the number and variety of exercises has been increased.

The text reflects the many facets of this discipline by linking physical fundamentals, especially those taken from thermodynamics, with application-specific topics. Similarly, the theory behind important concepts is backed by clearly explained by scientific-engineering aspects as well as a wide range of high-end applications from microelectronics and biotechnology.

Written to be understood intuitively by those with a general comprehension of the topic, and not burdened by details, this book is aimed at advanced students (and their teachers) in physics, chemistry and material sciences, as well as engineers and natural scientists requiring background knowledge in surface and interface science.