Surface Topography Measurement and Analysis

Abstract

Topography is one of the most important of the physical characteristics of surfaces influencing their significant technical properties. The systematic study of the fine structure of surfaces only became possible when instruments with sufficient magnification to resolve the vertical structures became available. A resume is given of current and prospective quantitative techniques for determining surface topographical properties. The topics of modelling and the interpretation of data which are mainly in the form of time series are discussed.