In this book "surface science" is understood in a broadsense, taken to include two-dimensional structures such asthin films and superlattices. Thecontributions reflectcurrent research activities in surface and thin-film sciencein Latin-America, presenting a clear picture of the researchcenters, equipment and expertise available in the region inthis rapidly developing field of physics. The topics treatedcover the whole spectrum of the subject, with the latesttheoretical results beingreported alongside details ofindustrial applications such as materials characterizationand photovoltaic cells. Surface scientists, engineers andresearch admistrators will find this volume of interest.