Physics World 2016 Focus on Vacuum Technology is out now

By Matin Durrani

I’m pleased to say that the latest focus issue of Physics World, which explores the many fascinating applications of vacuum science and technology, is now out.

Plasma processing is a strong theme this year, as we discover why tools and techniques developed as part of the boom in semiconductor fabrication are now benefiting biomaterials. Elsewhere, we reflect on the strengths of the vacuum community with outgoing IUVSTA president Mariano Anderle.

And, as always, this vacuum focus issue provides a great chance to catch up with major industry players, including Pfeiffer Vacuum, Agilent, Honeywell and Edwards, to examine the latest instrument upgrades and trends across the sector.

Enjoy the issue and send us your feedback by e-mailing the team at pwld@iop.org.

For the record, here’s a full contents listing.

• Bioscientists inspired by plasma – Uroš Cvelbar of the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia explains why plasma processing has a bright future

• Big opportunities for small devices – Wei Yang of Honeywell examines the different
design options for making miniature vacuum pumps

• Lasers making lasers – Pulsed laser deposition could take industrial lasers to the next level, says optical-amplifier expert Jacob Mackenzie

• Variation on a vacuum theme – The applications of atomic-layer deposition in energy
and the environment

• IUVSTA reflections – An interview with outgoing president of the International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications, Mariano Anderle

• Next steps in vacuum measurement – What are the challenges in bringing design upgrades to market? Patrick Walther of Pfeiffer Vacuum looks at the industry landscape

• Vacuum without the oil – Roberto Cerruti of Agilent makes the case for oil-free scroll pumps as an upgrade to gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry systems

• Events diary – Key meetings, conferences and exhibitions in the vacuum-technology calendar