History of the Annual Symposium on Applied Surface Analysis

John T. Grant

Research Institute, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton OH 45469-0168

The annual Symposium on Applied Surface Analysis started in 1979, the year after I joined the Research Institute at the University of Dayton. A colleague of mine, Walt Haas had suggested such a meeting to me, since at that time there was no scientific division of the AVS devoted to applications of surface analysis. I sent a proposal to the Air Force Office of Scientific Research for Sponsorship and this was accepted. Walt Haas and I were Co-Chairmen, Jim Hoenigman took care of the vendors, and Patsy Collins was secretary. Since this was the first such meeting, we sent out postage-paid reply postcards asking about interest in the meeting. The response was excellent, and the first Symposium had 40 oral presentations over 3 days (13-15 June 1979), a vendor exhibit, and a reception. About 120 people registered for the Symposium. One nice thing about holding it at the University of Dayton was the co-operation of the University staff regarding the use of facilities, including the relatively new garden apartments on campus. Since we had a grant to cover the administration of the Symposium, costs were quite low, and I remember well how attendees were surprised with all the refreshments that were provided for their registration fee.

The first six Symposia were held at the University of Dayton, the 7^th was held at the University of Maryland, and the 8^th and 9^th were again at the University of Dayton. The University of Maryland was chosen for the 7^th Symposium, as Jim Murday had become Co-Chairman with me starting with the 5^th Symposium, and wanted to have one held closer to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Starting with the 10^th Symposium, it became a topical conference of the American Vacuum Society, with site selection being decided by the newly formed Applied Surface Science Division. The 10^th Symposium was held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Lakewood (Denver) Colorado, and like many subsequent Symposia, was combined with local AVS Chapter Symposium.

This year marks the 25^th annual Symposium on Applied Surface Analysis, and this presentation gives a brief history of the Symposium.