  Actinide-based compounds exhibit unique physics due to the presence of 5f
electrons, and serve in many cases as important technological materials.
Targeted thin film synthesis of actinide materials has been successful in
generating high-purity specimens in which to study individual physical
phenomena. These films have enabled the study of the unique electron
configuration, strong mass renormalization, and nuclear decay in actinide
metals and compounds. The growth of these films, as well as their
thermophysical, magnetic, and topological properties, have been studied in a
range of chemistries, albeit far fewer than most classes of thin film systems.
This relative scarcity is the result of limited source material availability
and safety constraints associated with the handling of radioactive materials.
Here, we review recent work on the synthesis and characterization of
actinide-based thin films in detail, describing both synthesis methods and
modelling techniques for these materials. We review reports on
pyrometallurgical, solution-based, and vapor deposition methods. We highlight
the current state-of-the-art in order to construct a path forward to higher
quality actinide thin films and heterostructure devices.
