Non-crystalline solids are interesting materials in widespread range of applications. Glass processing is a well-established technology that can contribute to modern industry. For instance, doped-chalconide glass exhibits high refractive index and hence it is widely used in applications based on infrared optics. Oxide glasses and doped glasses possess many outstanding electro, magneto and optical features that make them promising materials in critical applications such as optical memory devices and optical filters. Doping usually occur using transition metals (TM) and/or rare earth metals (RE) metals owing to their efficient lasing medii. On the other hand, glass ceramics, which is manufactured under optimized heat treatment conditions, combine the properties of both non-crystalline glass and crystalline ceramics. The later shows extraordinary properties such as peizo electric effects that make them extremely favorable in supersonic generation and transducers. Therefore, it is crucial from abstract and applied points of view to provide a comprehensive resource for academics and researchers on fundamentals aspects of glass and glass technology.

It is very important to know the fundamental structure-properties relations in oxide thin films to better understand the processes for oxide thin film growth in metal or other materials. Oxide thin film materials for application in renewable energy, microelectromechanics systems (MEMS) and biotechnology are the main purposes of this special issue. This special issue on thin films is therefore an important resource for students, academics and general researchers interested to know the fundamental processes and applications related to oxide thin films.