Standards for surface analysis: ASTM committee E-42 on surface analysis

Surface analysis is of critical importance to most of the Divisions of the American Vacuum Society and has been one of the most dynamic scientific and technological growth areas for the last 30 yr. The ASTM Committee E-42 on Surface Analysis was formed in 1976 to help advance the quality of surface analysis by developing appropriate standards (reference materials, reference data, and reference procedures), and by leading round robin comparisons, preparing publications, and holding symposia and workshops. A major function of the committee has been the development of standards and reference procedures. This article is a description of the organization of Committee E-42, and a summary of recent activities by this volunteer group with an emphasis on the processes used, a description of standards published, and standards that are being developed by Committee E-42 and other international organizations.