American Vacuum Society Incorporated

Overview

The American Vacuum Society Incorporated, commonly referred to as AVS, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science and technology related to materials, interfaces, and processing, particularly in the realm of vacuum technology. Founded on June 18, 1953, in New York, AVS initially began as the Committee on Vacuum Techniques, aimed at promoting communication among those interested in high vacuum technology through symposia and publications[1][4].

Structure and Divisions

AVS is structured into multiple technical divisions and groups, each focusing on different aspects of vacuum science and technology:

• Technical Divisions:

  • Advanced Surface Engineering Division
  • Applied Surface Science Division
  • Biomaterial Interfaces Division
  • Electronic Materials/Photonics Division
  • Magnetic Interfaces and Nanostructures Division
  • Nanometer-Scale Science and Technology Division
  • Plasma Science and Technology Division
  • Surface Science Division
  • Thin Film Division (TF)
  • Vacuum Technology Division

• Technical Groups:

  • Manufacturing Science & Technology Technical Group (MSTG)
  • MEMS and NEMS Technical Group

AVS also has several regional and international chapters, facilitating networking among its members worldwide[1].

Conferences and Publications

AVS hosts the annual AVS International Symposium and Exhibition, which serves as a premier forum for discussing cutting-edge research and technological advancements in vacuum science and related fields. Additionally, the society sponsors topical conferences such as the International Conference on Atomic Layer Deposition and the North American Conference on Molecular Beam Epitaxy. AVS publishes several journals, including the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology (sections A and B), and the Surface Science Spectra[1][3].

Membership and Affiliations

AVS is a member of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) since 1976, and it is also affiliated with the International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications (IUVSTA), which comprises national vacuum societies from around the world. This affiliation allows AVS to participate in international events and contribute to global standards in vacuum science and technology[1][2].

Awards and Scholarships

AVS offers various awards and scholarships to support and recognize outstanding contributions and research in fields related to vacuum science and technology. Some notable awards include the Nellie Yeoh Whetten Award, the Russell & Sigurd Varian Award, and the Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Scholarship[3].

Governance and History

Throughout its history, AVS has been guided by dedicated professionals who have contributed to its growth and development. The society has evolved from its inception as the Committee on Vacuum Techniques to its current status as a leading organization in the field of vacuum science and technology[3][4].