There is a major international interest in thin film materials and devices. This text constitutes the proceedings of the 9th International School on Condensed Matter Physics, and features invited review articles by over 40 scientists of international repute, covering many aspects of thin film science and technology. Also included is a broad selection of shorter contributed papers by other participants, describing results of their recent research. The book should be of interest to postgraduate students and established scientists involved in the fabrication, characterization and application of thin film materials and devices. The invited reviews should also be of value to final year undergraduates in physics, materials science and electronic engineering studying many areas of contemporary solid state technology.
