substrates in physics

In physics, a substrate is a material or surface upon which other processes or structures occur or are built. It acts as a foundational layer that supports or influences the behavior of the objects or phenomena above it. For example, in electronics, a silicon wafer serves as the substrate for semiconductor devices. In surface science, a substrate provides the base for thin films or coatings. Essentially, it’s the underlying material that interacts with and affects the system built upon or applied to it, playing a crucial role in various scientific and engineering applications.