Oxide ion conductors have received special attention during the last 20 years for their applications in high temperature fuel cells and sensors. Cerium oxide based solid electrolytes have one of the lowest activation energies among the fluorite type oxide ion conductors. We present a methodology for obtaining cerium oxide thin films by flash evaporation. The films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical absorption, and AC conductivity. The results show the ionic nature of the electrical conductivity.