Amorphous and Polycrystalline Thin Films and Their Applications

Amorphous and polycrystalline thin films represent a versatile class of materials with a wide range of applications in modern technology. Unlike their monocrystalline counterparts, these films are defined by their lack of long-range atomic order or by the presence of small, randomly oriented crystallites. Despite these structural differences, amorphous and polycrystalline thin films have demonstrated remarkable potential in various fields, including catalysis, sensing, photovoltaics, and electroluminescent devices. Their ability to be synthesized using diverse deposition techniques—ranging from highly sophisticated physical and chemical vapor deposition methods to more accessible approaches such as dip coating and spin coating—makes them particularly appealing to a broad spectrum of researchers. Moreover, their unique structural and functional properties provide fertile ground for innovations in material design, characterization, and integration into functional devices, highlighting their critical role in advancing material science and condensed matter physics.

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to explore and highlight the diverse possibilities offered by amorphous and polycrystalline thin films across a wide range of applications. We seek to address the gap in scientific discourse by encouraging contributions that showcase these films' synthesis, characterization, and potential functional applications, regardless of the level of sophistication in their fabrication or characterization techniques. This Research Topic welcomes submissions presenting thin films fabricated by any method—ranging from advanced physical and chemical vapor deposition systems to more straightforward techniques such as dip or spin coating. The focus is on studies that reveal key insights into the properties of these materials through their characterization, even if preliminary. Contributions demonstrating the potential use of these films in areas such as diodes, light-emitting devices, transistors, solar cells, sensors, anticorrosive coatings, or other functional applications are particularly encouraged. By fostering a platform for sharing a variety of approaches and findings, this Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of amorphous and polycrystalline thin films, promoting innovation and inclusivity in materials science, condensed matter physics, and related fields.

This Research Topic seeks to provide an inclusive platform for studies focusing on amorphous and polycrystalline thin films, encouraging submissions from across the scientific community. The scope is intentionally broad, encompassing contributions that delve into the synthesis, characterization, and potential applications of these materials. Submissions addressing any aspect of thin-film research, from fundamental material properties to exploratory applications, are warmly welcomed. We invite manuscripts that showcase a variety of thin-film fabrication methods, ranging from sophisticated deposition techniques to more straightforward, innovative approaches. Studies highlighting material characterization—whether detailed or preliminary—and offering insights into possible applications in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, energy, sensing, and protective coatings are particularly encouraged. All types of manuscripts are welcome, including Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Brief Research Reports. This Research Topic aims to build a comprehensive collection of studies, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in materials science, condensed matter physics, and related disciplines.