The highly industrialized world we live in depends for its survival and further growth on advanced electronic technologies which place a premium on rapidly improved performance versus size, weight, and cost. Small computers, high-definition TV, digital camcorders, flat-panel displays, and robotic systems are but a few examples of miniatured device technologies which are of critical importance to emerging societal, industrial, defense, and space needs. All of these technologies depend sensitively on the availability of miniature thin film components in array and/or integrated formats. This book provides that first multi-topical coverage of the semiconductor, optical, superconductor, magnetic, and ferroelectric devices and technologies responding to these needs.
This book comprises five topical volumes edited by world authorities in their fields, i.e. semiconductor junction devices, semiconductor optics, superconducting film devices, magnetic film devices, and ferroelectric film devices. Well-known experts were invited to cover recent progress in aspects ranging from deposition and fabrication to device modeling, measurements, and new cutting-edge design approached for improved performance. This multitopic approach effectively demonstrates the broad-based and pervasive character of thin film techniques that impact and control a vast array of device functions that are critical to developments in computer technology, communications, television, defense and space systems, and industrial and consumer products. Readers are provided with both broad critical overviews and research level analysis and technical details.

Editor-in-chief: Maurice H. Francombe