Updated knowledge on "e;Advances in semiconducting materials"e; is of great significance for both fundamental research and industrial application. The papers contained in this special volume address diverse topics related to recent trends in the science of semiconducting materials as related to synthesis, characterization, applications, etc.Volume is indexed by Thomson Reuters CPCI-S (WoS).The volume will offer readers a good opportunity to review state-of-the-art developments in, and future directions of, semiconducting materials and technology.Consists of 23 papers presented at the semiconductor material symposium held during the October 2007 international materials research congress in Cancun. The contributors share recent advances in semiconductor properties, characterization techniques, surface preparation, passivation and cleaning, quantum semiconductor devices, nitride semiconductors, and computer simulation in condensed matter. Topics include microstructure formation of Al-Fe-Mn-Si aluminides by pressure-assisted reactive sintering of powders, structural transformation of boron nitride powders, impedance response of franklinite films to humidity and propane, and friction stir linear welding of an aluminum alloy. Black and white micrographs and photographs are provided.