The aim of this special issue is to bring to the attention of the surface s
cience community the potential and application of optical techniques. This
paper gives an overview of the major optical characterization techniques an
d the subsequent papers. Where possible, links with other surface science t
echniques are discussed and the use of optical methods for process monitori
ng and control is emphasized. (C) Crown Copyright 2001. Published by John W
iley & Sons, Ltd.