Many of the subjects of interest to the INTDS are related to the preparation of thin foils which, historically, has been the normal work of about 70% of us.  Increasingly though, our members are engaged in sample preparations for research activities in medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, energy, biology, geology, space science, and for the calibration of scientific instruments.

Our hot list of interests includes:

- Preparation techniques for thin films, e.g., vacuum evaporation/condensation, sputtering, electrochemical deposition, powder distribution and compaction, and roll thinning; 

- Separation and chemical processing of stable and radioactive isotopes;

- Preparation and characterization of high-purity and special materials;

- Development of highly material-conservative methods of preparation;

- Effects of contaminants;

- Target and sample encapsulation;

- Radiation and beam heating effects;

- Accelerator targets for radionuclide production;

- Availability of isotopes; and,

- Target and sample thicknesses from gas densities to kg/cm².