斜切基片上溅射生长高密度小尺寸Ge纳米点的研究

采用离子束溅射技术,在斜切的单晶Si基底上生长了高密度的小尺寸Ge纳米点。系统研究了斜切基底上的表面台阶对Ge纳米点生长初期表面原子吸附行为的影响,以及斜切基片上Ge纳米点随原子沉积量的演变规律。实验结果表明,在斜切基片上原子级的表面台阶能有效地抑制吸附原子的表面扩散。因此,有利于Ge纳米点的形核,并抑制纳米点的过度长大,从而获得高密度、小尺寸的Ge纳米点。     

Fabrication of magnetic nanodot arrays for patterned magnetic recording media

Fabrication processes of arrayed magnetic nanodots for the use of patterned magnetic recording media were reviewed. One candidate for the patterned media is ordered assemble of magnetic nanoparticles, and the other is patterned magnetic thin films fabricated using various micro/nano scale machining processes. For the formation of patterned masks and molds, lithography processes as well as self-organized pattern formation are utilized. For the deposition processes of magnetic dots, electrochemical deposition processes were widely used. These fabrication processes are reviewed mainly from recent reports. The recording systems for the patterned media including probe-type-recording are also overviewed.     

Novel method for site-controlled surface nanodot fabrication by ion beam synthesis

By using a Ga FIB system to spatially control the implantation of Ga into SiO(2) followed by vacuum annealing, we have fabricated self-assembled surface Ga nanodots with a high degree of control of nucleation location. The morphology of the Ga nanodots is closely related to Ga dose, showing a critical dose needed for nucleation that results in Ga nanodot formation just below the surface, while at higher doses Ga nanodots form on the surface as metallic Ga droplets. Possible applications include defining nucleation sites for subsequent growth, use as Ga source for GaN or GaAs quantum dots, or as catalyst for nanowire growth.     

Ordered, self-organized cobalt nanodots in Co-diamond-like carbon thin films

A formation process for ordered, self-organized cobalt (Co) nanodots in diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering in a plasma-assisted Ar/CH4 discharge is presented. episilon-Co dots -5 nm in diameter, separated by 1-2 nm DLC boundaries and arranged in hexagonal arrays were produced on Si substrates. The formation mechanism relies on a self-organization process which is based on surface energy minimization and local magnetic field interaction. The proposed plasma-assisted process presents a controlled and cost-effective bottom-up nanofabrication approach for the production of well-ordered magnetic nanodots based on self-organization.     

海胆形氧化锌纳米结构的制备与光催化性能

以Zn(AC)2.2H2O为原料,NH3.H2O为络合剂,在NaBH4辅助下140℃水热反应2 h制备出ZnO纳米棒自组装的海胆形结构。采用X射线衍射仪、扫描电镜和透射电镜对产物进行表征。结果表明,海胆形ZnO结构的直径约为3～17μm,它是由直径约为100 nm,长度约为500 nm～3μm范围的ZnO纳米棒自组装而成。提出了ZnO纳米棒自组装海胆形结构的可能生长机理。NaBH4与溶液中的少量H+结合生成H2气泡,ZnO纳米晶吸附在H2的气液界面形成了纳米颗粒自组装的微球,随着反应时间的延长,组装成微球的ZnO纳米颗粒沿[0001]方向取向生长成ZnO纳米棒,最终形成ZnO纳米棒自组装的海胆形颗粒。室温下以海胆形ZnO纳米结构和ZnO纳米棒为光催化剂,以偶氮染料甲基橙作为光催化研究对象,紫外光照70 min,对甲基橙的降解率分别为97%和67%。     

Quasi-aligned gold nanodots on a nanorippled silica surface: experimental and atomistic simulation investigations

Quasi-aligned gold nanodots with a periodicity of ～ 40 nm have been synthesized on a silica substrate by oblique deposition of gold on fast argon atom-beam-created nanoripples of wavelength 40 nm and subsequent annealing. The size distribution of these aligned nanodots resulting from oblique deposition at 85° of 0.5 nm Au film perpendicular to ripples is narrower than the similar deposition on a flat surface. The deposition and annealing process was simulated with a three-dimensional kinetic lattice Monte Carlo technique in order to understand the formation of aligned nanodots. The atomistic simulation and the experimental results suggest that there is an optimal thickness which can result in nanodots aligned along the ripples in the case of depositions perpendicular to the ripples. The nanodots formed after annealing of the films deposited parallel to ripples or on flat surface lack alignment.     

Active nanocharacterization of nanofunctional materials by scanning tunneling microscopy

Recent developments in the application of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to nanofabrication and nanocharacterization are reviewed. The main focus of this paper is to outline techniques for depositing and manipulating nanometer-scale structures using STM tips. Firstly, the transfer of STM tip material through the application of voltage pulses is introduced. The highly reproducible fabrication of metallic silver nanodots and nanowires is discussed. The mechanism is thought to be spontaneous point-contact formation caused by field-enhanced diffusion to the apex of the tip. Transfer through the application of z-direction pulses is also introduced. Sub-nanometer displacement pulses along the z-direction form point contacts that can be used for reproducible nanodot deposition. Next, the discovery of the STM structural manipulation of surface phases is discussed. It has been demonstrated that superstructures on Si(001) surfaces can be reverse-manipulated by controlling the injected carriers. Finally, the fabrication of an atomic-scale one-dimensional quantum confinement system by single-atom deposition using a controlled point contact is presented. Because of its combined nanofabrication and nanocharacterization capabilities, STM is a powerful tool for exploring the nanotechnology and nanoscience fields.     

Magnetic films on nanoperforated templates: a route towards percolated perpendicular media

We present a study on the magnetization reversal in Co/Pt multilayer films with an out-of-plane easy axis of magnetization deposited onto substrates with densely distributed perforations with an average period as small as 34?nm. Deposition of magnetic Co/Pt multilayers onto the nanoperforated surface results in an array of magnetic nanodots surrounded by a continuous magnetic film. Following the evolution of the magnetic domain pattern in the system, we suggest that domain walls are pinned on structural inhomogeneities given by the underlying nanoperforated template. Furthermore, a series of micromagnetic simulations was performed in order to understand the modification of the pinning strength of domain walls due to the magnetic interaction between nanodots and the surrounding film. The results of the simulations show that magnetic exchange coupling between the nanodots and the surrounding film strongly influences the pinning behavior of the magnetic domain walls which can be optimized to provide maximal pinning.     

Active nanocharacterization of nanofunctional materials by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract

Recent developments in the application of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to nanofabrication and nanocharacterization are reviewed. The main focus of this paper is to outline techniques for depositing and manipulating nanometer-scale structures using STM tips. Firstly, the transfer of STM tip material through the application of voltage pulses is introduced. The highly reproducible fabrication of metallic silver nanodots and nanowires is discussed. The mechanism is thought to be spontaneous point-contact formation caused by field-enhanced diffusion to the apex of the tip. Transfer through the application of z-direction pulses is also introduced. Sub-nanometer displacement pulses along the z-direction form point contacts that can be used for reproducible nanodot deposition. Next, the discovery of the STM structural manipulation of surface phases is discussed. It has been demonstrated that superstructures on Si(001) surfaces can be reverse-manipulated by controlling the injected carriers. Finally, the fabrication of an atomic-scale one-dimensional quantum confinement system by single-atom deposition using a controlled point contact is presented. Because of its combined nanofabrication and nanocharacterization capabilities, STM is a powerful tool for exploring the nanotechnology and nanoscience fields.     

Functionalization of selectively grown networked SnO2 nanowires with Pd nanodots by γ-ray radiolysis

γ-ray radiolysis is applied to synthesizing Pd nanodots on networked SnO(2) nanowires. The growth behavior of Pd nanodots is systematically investigated as a function of the precursor concentration, illumination intensity, and exposure time of the γ-rays. These factors greatly influence the growth behavior of the Pd nanodots. Selectively grown networked SnO(2) nanowires are uniformly functionalized with Pd nanodots by the radiolysis process. The NO(2) sensing characteristics of the Pd-functionalized SnO(2) nanowires are compared with those of bare SnO(2) nanowires. The results indicate that γ-ray radiolysis is an attractive means of functionalizing the surface of oxide nanowires with catalytic Pd nanodots. Moreover, the Pd-functionalization greatly enhances the sensitivity and response time in SnO(2) nanowire-based gas sensors.     

Au／SiO2复合纳米颗粒膜及SiO2纳米线的制备

室温下用磁控溅射法在Si（111）衬底上生成Au／SiO2复合纳米颗粒膜,并分不同温度进行退火处理。1000℃退火时自组装生成空间分布均匀（直径约为70nm）的Au纳米点,从而用自组装生长方法制备了生长一维纳米材料的模板,然后,将Au催化剂模板在1100℃下退火处理,生成纳米线,SEM和TEM测试,制备的SiO2纳米线直径约为100nm,长度约为4μm,表面光滑,直且粗细均匀。     

Polarization closure in PbZr((0.42))Ti((0.58))O(3) nanodots

Domain states in PbZr((0.42))Ti((0.58))O(3) single-crystal ferroelectric nanodots, formed on cooling through the Curie temperature, were imaged by transmission electron microscopy. In the majority of cases, 90° stripe domains were found to form into four distinct "bundles" or quadrants. Detailed analysis of the dipole orientations in the system was undertaken, using both dark-field imaging and an assumption that charged domain walls were energetically unfavorable in comparison to uncharged walls. On this basis, we conclude that the dipoles in these nanodots are arranged such that the resultant polarizations, associated with the four quadrant domain bundles, form into a closed loop. This "polarization closure" pattern is reminiscent of the flux-closure already commonly observed in soft ferromagnetic microdots but to date unseen in analogous ferroelectric dots.     

Large array of sub-10-nm single-grain Au nanodots for use in nanotechnology

A uniform array of single-grain Au nanodots, as small as 5-8 nm, can be formed on silicon using e-beam lithography. The as-fabricated nanodots are amorphous, and thermal annealing converts them to pure Au single crystals covered with a thin SiO(2) layer. These findings are based on physical measurements, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, and chemical techniques using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A self-assembled organic monolayer is grafted on the nanodots and characterized chemically with nanometric lateral resolution. The extended uniform array of nanodots is used as a new test-bed for molecular electronic devices.     

Non-lift-off block copolymer lithography of 25 nm magnetic nanodot arrays

Although nanolithographic techniques based on self-assembled block copolymer templates offer tremendous potential for fabrication of large-area nanostructure arrays, significant difficulties arise with both the lift-off and etch processes typically used for pattern transfer. These become progressively more important in the limit of extreme feature sizes. The few techniques that have been developed to avoid these issues are quite complex. Here, we demonstrate successful execution of a nanolithographic process based on solvent annealed, cylinder-forming, easily degradable, polystyrene-b-polylactide block copolymer films that completely avoids lift-off in addition to the most challenging aspects of etching. We report a "Damascene-type" process that overfills the polystyrene template with magnetic metal, employs ion beam milling to planarize the metal surface down to the underlying polystyrene template, then exploits the large etch rate contrast between polystyrene and typical metals to generate pattern reversal of the original template into the magnetic metal. The process is demonstrated via formation of a large-area array of 25 nm diameter ferromagnetic Ni(80)Fe(20) nanodots with hexagonally close-packed order. Extensive microscopy, magnetometry, and electrical measurements provide detailed characterization of the pattern formation. We argue that the approach is generalizable to a wide variety of materials, is scalable to smaller feature sizes, and critically, minimizes etch damage, thus preserving the essential functionality of the patterned material.     

Periodic organic nanodot patterns for optical memory

The fabrication of organic nanodots from photoswitchable fulgide molecules is shown. The dots are formed by dewetting of thin precursor films of the organic molecules on topographically structured substrates. In this way, we are able to control size, density, and arrangement of nanodots on millimeter-squared sized areas. We show that nanodots can be switched between isomeric molecular conformation reversibly.     

Boron doping of silicon rich carbides: Electrical properties

Boron doped multilayers based on silicon carbide/silicon rich carbide, aimed at the formation of silicon nanodots for photovoltaic applications, are studied. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of crystallized Si and 3C-SiC nanodomains. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy indicates the occurrence of remarkable interdiffusion between adjacent layers. However, the investigated material retains memory of the initial dopant distribution. Electrical measurements suggest the presence of an unintentional dopant impurity in the intrinsic SiC matrix. The overall volume concentration of nanodots is determined by optical simulation and is shown not to contribute to lateral conduction. Remarkable higher room temperature dark conductivity is obtained in the multilayer that includes a boron doped well, rather than boron doped barrier, indicating efficient doping in the former case. Room temperature lateral dark conductivity up to 10^?3 S/cm is measured on the multilayer with boron doped barrier and well. The result compares favorably with silicon dioxide and makes SiC encouraging for application in photovoltaic devices.     

Novel methods of forming self-assembled nanostructured materials: Ni nanodots in Al2O3 and TiN matrices

We have developed two novel methods of growing self-assembled nanodot arrays of uniform size (diameter 2-50 nm) of a variety of materials in crystalline as well as amorphous matrices. These methods employ a pulsed laser deposition technique and are classified as: (a) sequential growth method; and (b) simultaneous growth method. In the first method, the nanodots and matrix material are formed sequentially, while in the second method, nanodots and matrix materials grow simultaneously. In the sequential growth, self-assembly of nanodots is controlled by the flux of materials, interfacial energy, intervening matrix layer, substrate and laser parameters. For the simultaneous growth method of self-assembly of nanodots, there is additional requirement that the material of the nanodot and the matrix should be such that the Gibb's free energy of oxidation of the constituent of matrix material is much lower than that of the nanodot material.     

Synthesis of metal chalcogenide nanodot arrays using block copolymer-derived nanoreactors

Soluble metal chalcogenide precursors are used to fabricate arrays of metal chalcogenide nanodots by spin-coating. Nanodots are formed after thermal decomposition of the precursors, which are collected in patterned nanowell arrays. These arrays are derived from block copolymer patterns and may consist of the polymer itself or result from etching to transfer the pattern to an inorganic substrate. Etching provides enhanced control over nanowell shape and the morphology of the resulting metal chalcogenide array.     

Nanostructuring of InP surface by low-energy ion beam irradiation

The InP nanodots of size 55 to 100 nm and height 25 to 30 nm have been synthesized by low-energy Ar+-ion irradiation with different ion energies. Sizes and size distributions of the dots strongly depend on growth conditions. Rapid thermal annealed (RTA) of the patterned surface shows cluster formation for annealing temperature 400 degrees C and above. Raman investigations reveal optical phonon softening due to correlation length shortening and broadening of the optical modes from the patterned surface. The softening is due to confinement of phonons in embedded nanocrystallites within the patterned surface along with surface nanodots, and broadening is attributed to their size distributions, which increases with increase in ion energy. The lattice damage recovery is observed from the patterned surface subjected to RTA, which exhibits upward shift of the LO and TO phonons due to the presence of complex interfacial stress, associated with the removal of crystal defects with RTA.     

Fast Dynamic Visualizations in Microfluidics Enabled by Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots

Microfluidic systems have become a superior platform for explorations of fascinating fluidic physics at microscale as well as applications in biomedical devices, chemical reactions, drug delivery, etc. Exploitations of this platform are built upon the fundamental techniques of flow visualizations. However, the currently employed fluorescent materials for microfluidic visualization are far from satisfaction, which severely hinders their widespread applications. Here fluorescent carbon nanodots are documented as a game‐changer, applicable in versatile fluidic environment for the visualization in microfluidics with unprecedented advantages. One of the fastest fluorescent imaging speeds up to 2500 frames per second under a normal contionous wave (CW) laser line is achieved by adopting carbon nanodots in microfluidics. Besides better visualizations of the fluid or interface, fluorescent carbon nanodots‐based microparticles enable quantitative studies of high speed dynamics in fluids at microscale with a more than 90% lower cost, which is inaccessible by traditionally adopted fluorescent dye based seeding particles. The findings hold profound influences to microfluidic investigations and may even lead to revolutionary changes to the relevant industries.