The current status of the science and technology related to coatings, thin films and surface modifications produced by directed energy techniques is assessed in this book. The subject matter is divided into 20 chapters - each presented at a tutorial level - rich with fundamental science and experimental results. New trends and new results are also evoked to give an overview of future developments and applications.* Provides a broad overview on modern coating and thin film deposition techniques, and their applications.* Presents and discusses various problems of physics and chemistry involved in the production, characterization and applications of coatings and thin films* Each chapter includes experimental results illustrating various models, mechanisms or theories