Surface studies by electron diffraction

The problems in the analysis of surface structures by means of electron diffraction, particularly at low energy, are reviewed. A brief introduction is given to the basic scattering and diffraction phenomena occurring at a solid surface after which the nature of the experimental diffraction data is described. The theoretical interpretation of the diffracted intensity by various kinematical and dynamical methods is outlined and the present difficulties in obtaining a complete surface structure determination are examined. The different types of ordered and disordered layers which may be formed on a surface—usually by adsorption of foreign species—are discussed and the interpretation of the corresponding diffraction patterns is illustrated by some examples.