Abstract
The presence and configuration of Au on the sidewalls of vapor-liquid-solid grown Si nanowires (NWs) was investigated using analytical (scanning) transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The relationship between growth conditions and Au/Si interface thermodynamics is shown to have a profound effect on NW growth. For some growth conditions, liquid AuSi can spread from the seed at the NW tip along the sidewalls during growth. This liquid film will phase separate and solidify, forming small Au clusters as the NW is cooled from the growth temperature. Growth conditions are correlated with the variety of Au cluster configurations found. The observed behavior can be explained by considering the thermodynamics of droplet spreading on cylinders.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 064320 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 108 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 15 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)