Practical applications of surface analytic tools in tribology

A brief description of many of the widely used tools is presented. Of this list, those which have the highest applicability for giving elemental and/or compound analysis for problems of interest in tribology along with being truly surface sensitive (that is less than 10 atomic layers) are presented. The latter group is critiqued in detail in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Emphasis is placed on post facto analysis of experiments performed under real conditions (e.g., in air with lubricants). It is further indicated that such equipment could be used for screening and quality control.