Physics of Thin Films

Physics of Thin Films: Advances in Research and Development, Volume 6 reviews the rapid progress that has been made in research and development concerning the physics of thin films, with emphasis on metallic films. Topics covered include anodic oxide films, thin metal films and wires, and multilayer magnetic films. This volume is comprised of five chapters and begins with a discussion on the dielectric properties and the technique of plasma anodization which are relevant to the applications of anodic oxide films in electronic devices. Conduction, polarization, and dielectric breakdown effects are also considered. The next chapter examines studies on size-dependent electrical conduction in thin metal films and wires, paying particular attention to both classical and quantum size effects and some of the anisotropic characteristics of epitaxial metal films. The reader is then introduced to the optical properties of metal films and interactions in multilayer magnetic films. This text concludes with a chapter that looks at diffusion in metallic films and presents experimental results for phase-forming systems, miscible systems, and lateral diffusion. This monograph will be of value to students and practitioners of physics, especially those interested in thin films.