The University of North Texas Surface Science Laboratory (SSL) is part of the Department of Chemistry, and is located within the Science Research Building.  The laboratory is headed by Professor J. A. Kelber.  Research at the SSL focuses on the development of atomic level understanding and control of chemistry at surfaces and interfaces in various environments, including ultra-high vacuum (UHV),  intermediate pressure gas phase environments (up to atmospheric pressure), and in aqueous solution.  This research has important applications in microelectronics fabrication, nanocatalysis, and corrosion.

 Current research thrusts within the SSL include:

 1.  Structures and reactivities of oxides under non-UHV conditions

 2.  Control of Cu nucleation and growth during electrodeposition

 3.  Metallization of  dielectric surfaces by sputter deposition and by MOCVD

Instrumental capabilities within the SSL include:

1. A UHV system with capabilities for STM/AFM, LEED, Auger, and gas dosing at intermediate pressures

2. A combined XPS/sputter deposition/MOCVD system, with a dual-magnetron sputter deposition facility

3. An XPS/LEED/MOCVD system

4. A UHV/XPS system with capabilities for controlled transfer to/from a three-electrode electrochemical cell

5. An electrochemical STM/AFM

6. (Under Construction) A combined UHV/intermediate pressure system for Reflection Absorption Infrared (RAIR) study of surfaces in equilibrium with complex gas phase environments

Maintained by : Mitali Jain

Last Updated  : 12-14-2005