Thin films play a key role in the material science of microelectronics, and the subject matter of thin-films divides naturally into two headings: processing / structure relationship, and structure / properties relationship.

The first volume of Materials Science in Microelectronics focuses on the first relationship — that between processing and the structure of the thin-film. The state of the thin film's surface during the period that one monolayer exists - before being buried in the next layer — determines the ultimate structure of the thin film, and thus its properties. This volume takes into consideration the following potential influencing factors: crystal defects, void structure, grain structure, interface structure in epitaxial films, the structure of amorphous films, and reaction-induced structure.

An ideal text or reference work for students and researchers in material science, who need to learn the basics of thin films.