The article by Roy G. Gordon discusses the criteria for choosing transparent conductors (TCs), which are materials that are both electrically conductive and transparent. The author reviews the physical properties of various materials used in TCs, including semiconducting oxides and metals, and defines a figure of merit as the ratio of electrical conductivity to optical absorption coefficient. Key factors influencing the choice of TC materials include durability, etchability, conductivity, plasma wavelength, work function, thickness, deposition temperature, uniformity, toxicity, and cost. TCs have a wide range of applications, such as energy-conserving windows, solar cells, flat-panel displays, smart windows, and electromagnetic shields. The choice of TC material depends on the specific application and the method of preparation. The article outlines different preparation methods, including physical and chemical deposition techniques, and highlights the importance of film thickness and dopants in determining the performance of TCs. The optical and electrical performance of TCs is crucial, with high electrical conductivity and low visible light absorption being desirable. The figure of merit, σ/α, is used to evaluate the performance of TCs, where σ is the electrical conductivity and α is the visible absorption coefficient. Fluorine-doped zinc oxide and cadmium stannate are noted for their superior figures of merit. The article also discusses the theoretical upper limit of the figure of merit and the impact of dopants on electron mobility. In applications requiring thin TCs, such as high-resolution displays, the conductivity σ is a critical parameter. The conductivity increases with the product of the free electron concentration and mobility, which can be influenced by the structure and electronic properties of the material.The article by Roy G. Gordon discusses the criteria for choosing transparent conductors (TCs), which are materials that are both electrically conductive and transparent. The author reviews the physical properties of various materials used in TCs, including semiconducting oxides and metals, and defines a figure of merit as the ratio of electrical conductivity to optical absorption coefficient. Key factors influencing the choice of TC materials include durability, etchability, conductivity, plasma wavelength, work function, thickness, deposition temperature, uniformity, toxicity, and cost. TCs have a wide range of applications, such as energy-conserving windows, solar cells, flat-panel displays, smart windows, and electromagnetic shields. The choice of TC material depends on the specific application and the method of preparation. The article outlines different preparation methods, including physical and chemical deposition techniques, and highlights the importance of film thickness and dopants in determining the performance of TCs. The optical and electrical performance of TCs is crucial, with high electrical conductivity and low visible light absorption being desirable. The figure of merit, σ/α, is used to evaluate the performance of TCs, where σ is the electrical conductivity and α is the visible absorption coefficient. Fluorine-doped zinc oxide and cadmium stannate are noted for their superior figures of merit. The article also discusses the theoretical upper limit of the figure of merit and the impact of dopants on electron mobility. In applications requiring thin TCs, such as high-resolution displays, the conductivity σ is a critical parameter. The conductivity increases with the product of the free electron concentration and mobility, which can be influenced by the structure and electronic properties of the material.