Whether you are a technology enthusiast, an environmental activist, or simply, a citizen concerned about security from global threats, the promise of 21st century technologies, fueled by new materials and devices, cannot escape your optimism for a better future. New and advanced materials will serve as the skeletal support or framework for these newly emerging devices or components. MEMS, nano-engineered materials, biosensors, smart windows, nanocoatings are words, for example, that will soon resonate with the general public due to their powerful impact on our daily lives. However, the roadmap challenges are many and the ones that lead will have to consistently challenge conventional wisdom in material or device design.

To that end, surface engineering or modification of materials, via application of thin films, is an integral or core part of material design that will drive much of the functionality of these devices. Next-generation thin film technologies will utilize new material philosophies with nanoscale precision in synthesis and property enhancements. At Applied Thin Films, Inc. (ATFI), our vision is to support the global mission for meeting 21st century material challenges via offering innovative thin film technologies with diverse applicability.

For our progress to date, we gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by several federal agencies including the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), US Army, NASA, DOE, and NSF and our industrial sponsors. As a responsible corporate entity, we also have an active educational outreach program to help prepare the next-generation workforce. Throughout the year, undergraduate engineering students from Northwestern University participate in laboratory work, under the cooperative education program, and we are proud to provide the guidance and support that solidify and strengthen their future goals.

Whether you represent small or medium or large business, we welcome you to browse our website to seek collaborative opportunities that may provide you the desired technological edge over your competition. We remain committed to continue our quest for material innovation to better serve our customers and bring better things for societal benefit. You may not hear about our accomplishments or accolades, but we will remain active, behind-the-scenes, providing mission-critical support to our industrial partners.