Thin films have played a central role in the development of modern materials science, from early studies of surfaces and coatings to today’s electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic technologies. This RSM 175 event will look at the evolution of thin-film materials research, both within the Royal School of Mines at Imperial and across the wider field, and explore where the next generation of materials and devices may take us. The event will bring together research spanning a broad range of material classes, including semiconductors, oxides, magnetic and ferroic materials, superconductors, quantum materials and emerging low-dimensional systems. We will explore how advances in synthesis, atomic-scale control of interfaces, strain and defects, together with increasingly powerful characterisation techniques, are allowing material properties to be designed and understood from the atomic scale upwards. Looking ahead, the programme will highlight emerging directions in thin-film materials, including new material systems and heterostructures, free-standing and membrane architectures, two-dimensional materials and interfaces, and the opportunities these provide for creating functionality beyond that available in conventional bulk materials. Bringing together perspectives from across the field, the event will celebrate the history of thin-film research whilst looking towards its role in future electronics, magnetism, optoelectronics and quantum technologies. Speakers: Professor Judith MacManus-Driscoll, Professor of Materials Science in Cambridge and Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies. For more information about RSM 175 events, please see: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/rsm-175/

Description supplied by the event organiser.