Thin film deposition as applied to micro solid oxide fuel cell (mu SOFC) fabrication is an emerging and highly active field of research that is attracting greater attention. This paper reviews thin film (thickness <= 1 mu m) deposition techniques and components relevant to SOFCs including current research on nanocrystalline thin film electrolyte and thin-film-based model electrodes. Calculations showing the geometric limits of mu SOFCs and first results towards fabrication of mu SOFCs are also discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.