The development and quality assurance of such high-tech materials as semiconductors or biopolymers demand special analytical methods for surfaces and thin films. This book presents the whole spectrum of methods available in a clear manner, moving beyond the basics, equipment and applications to compare these methods. This allows users to find the optimum method in solving any given problem. - The book is richly illustrated with 200 figures - Almost 900 references guide to the primary literature - A list of suppliers, each with full address, makes it easy to obtain the required equipment