Electrical field induced growth of triangular nanometer structures on WSe2

We report on the conditions for the growth of triangular structures on WSe₂ surfaces in scanning tunneling experiments with a vertical dimension of one layer (Se-W-Se) and up to 200 nm in horizontal direction. Experiments carried out in different atmospheres (ambient air, dry N₂, dry O₂) suggest that the growth is directly related to the presence of a thin physisorbed water layer on the surface of WSe₂. Furthermore examinations under different scanning and bias conditions show that the electric field of the tip induces the growth of these nanometer structures.     

Small silicon memories: confinement, single-electron,. and interface state considerations

Memories that utilize single-electron effects are an attempt at combining the discreteness observable in transport of electrons on to very small capacitances (∼10^-18 F) and into three-dimensionally quantum-confined states, with the reproducibility, architecture and integration of the field-effect devices. We discuss the role size plays in the operation and its variability for such memories. In particular, we discuss the implications of size effects through barriers on speed; through electrostatics on variability, acceptability and reproducibility of properties desired; through random variations and of tunneling on limits in the use of the field-effect, and through interface-states on the time-domain operation. For device properties and their variations, using silicon-on-insulator substrates, silicon and back-insulator thicknesses matter through the linear variations introduced in the electrostatic potential and quadratic variations introduced in the subband energies, the quantum-dots and nano-crystals matter secondarily through the electrostatics and the linear dependence of capacitance on size and the quadratic dependence of the allowed eigen-energies on size. We also discuss the implications of tunneling on time constants of charging of the confined states and in between the source and the drain for the ultimate structure size limit. Received: 14 April 2000 / Accepted: 17 April 2000 / Published online: 6 September 2000     

Direct fabrication of micro mesas by VUV laser ablation of polymers: PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)

Received: 19 December 1997     

Supramolecular architectures and nanostructures at metal surfaces

The controlled formation of non-covalent bonds (H-bonding, metal–ligand interactions) is the key ingredient for the fabrication of supramolecular architectures and nanostructures. Upon deposition of molecular building blocks at well-defined surfaces, this issue can be directly addressed. Scanning tunneling microscopy observations are presented, which provide insight into the interaction of functional groups on metal substrates at the molecular level. In particular, carboxylic acids were employed: (4-[(pyrid-4-yl-ethynyl)]-benzoic acid (PEBA), 4-[trans-2-(pyrid-4-yl-vinyl)]-benzoic acid (PVBA) and trimesic acid (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, TMA), which could be stabilized in a flat geometry at the surface. By choosing the appropriate substrate material and symmetry, the sensitive balance of intermolecular and molecule–substrate interactions can be tuned to obtain well-defined supramolecular architectures and nanostructures. The head-to-tail hydrogen bonding of the related rod-like species PEBA and PVBA stabilizes molecular rows on Ag(111). The subtle difference in the molecular geometries is reflected in the lateral ordering: While 2-D islanding is encountered with PEBA, 1-D nanogratings of supramolecular chiral H-bonded twin chains evolve for PVBA. The threefold symmetry of TMA in conjunction with the self-complementarity of its exodentate groups accounts for the formation of H-bonded honeycomb networks on Cu(100) at low temperatures. Metal–ligand interactions were probed with PVBA and TMA at Cu surfaces at ambient temperature. Deprotonation of the carboxyl moiety takes place, which readily interacts with Cu adatoms evaporated from step edges. This leads to a head-to-head pairing of PVBA on Cu(111) and cloverleaf-shaped Cu–TMA coordination compounds on Cu(001). Received: 4 June 2002 / Accepted: 2 October 2002 / Published online: 5 February 2003 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +41-21/693-3604, E-mail: johannes.barth@epfl.ch     

Photoredox laser chemistry of transition metal oxides

Received: 26 May 1997/Accepted: 17 July 1997     

Development of the Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) with chemical generation of atomic iodine

This article addresses the development of a Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) with alternative chemical ways of generating atomic iodine. Injection of atomic iodine as opposed to molecular iodine has the potential to improve the COIL efficiency. This paper describes two chemical methods for generating iodine atoms based on the gas phase reactions of hydrogen/deuterium iodide with fluorine or chlorine atoms, which are also produced chemically. Simplified one-dimensional gas dynamic modeling that describes the stream-wise profiles of species concentrations within both reaction systems is used to gain a theoretical understanding of both reaction systems under COIL conditions. The modeling results are used for the design of an experimental device and the interpretation of experimental data. The first experimental investigation studies the production of iodine atoms produced from reactions of Cl with HI. Atomic iodine yields of 70–100% in nitrogen are obtained, and the gain on the I(² P _1/2)–I(² P _3/2) transition in a flow of singlet oxygen is measured. Received: 7 October 2002 / Accepted: 8 February 2003 / Published online: 28 May 2003 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +420-2/8689-0527, E-mail: kodym@fzu.cz     

Studies on behaviors of dipalmitoylposphatidylcholine and bilirubin in mixed monolayer at the air/water interface

Mixed monolayers of dipalmitoylposphatidylcholine (DPPC) and bilirubin (BR) were prepared on different subphases. The properties of DPPC/BR monolayer, such as collapse pressure (π_coll), limiting area per molecule (A_lim), surface compressibility modulus, free energy (ΔG_mix) and excess free energy (ΔG_ex), were investigated based on the analysis of the surface pressure-area isotherms on pure water. The results showed that DPPC and BR were miscible and formed non-ideal mixed monolayers at the air/water interface. With the molar fraction of BR (X_BR) increasing, the LE-LC coexistence region of DPPC monolayer was eliminated gradually. The DPPC/BR complex (M_D-B) of 1:2 stoichiometry formed as a result of the strong hydrogen bonds between the polar groups of DPPC and BR. The studies of effects of pH values and calcium ions in subphase on the DPPC/BR monolayers showed that the mixed monolayer became expanded on alkali aqueous solution and on 1 mmol/L CaCl₂ aqueous solution. The orientation of DPPC and BR at air/water interface was also discussed.     

Plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon: Studies of the growth surface

This review focusses on the plasma-surface interactions and surface processes involved in a-Si: H thin film growth. We restrict our discussion of growth fluxes to a summary, and do not address plasma kinetics. In recent years, powerful in situ experiments have been carried out on the growing film surface, which reveal the adsorption, penetration, reaction, and elimination of precursor species, as well as the atomic-scale morphology and composition of the growth zone. Good data sets are available both for PACVD and reactive magnetron sputter deposition. These form an interesting comparison, since the former process is dominated by the hydrogen-rich radical SiH₃ at low energy, and the latter by energetic atomic Si and H. We review the key experiments and conclusions, underlining those aspects which are well established and those which remain qualitative; and we discuss the transition from amorphous to fine-grained polycrystalline film growth at high hydrogen pressures in terms of the surface mechanisms. This field is now entering a scientific stage where a detailed theory of low-temperature, plasma-assisted growth can be developed.     

Grooving an alumina surface as a means to inhibit secondary electron emission under grazing incidence

We observe charge multiplication of photoemitted electrons in cylindrical alumina cells, containing cesium vapor, submitted to a longitudinal electric field and to intense laser pulses. We present several diagnoses allowing us to attribute this charge multiplication to efficient secondary electron emission (SEE) from the accelerated photoelectrons colliding with the inner wall at grazing incidence. Machining millimeter-size triangular grooves on the initially smooth inner wall, so as to prevent grazing incidence, is shown to be efficient in reducing SEE. The atomic signal characteristic of the space charge accumulated close to the anode is found to be reduced by more than one order of magnitude. This result is of important significance, not only for our parity-violation experiment in cesium vapor, but also for experiments and techniques involving SEE at grazing incidence. Laboratoire de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure associé au CNRS (UMR 8552) et à l’Université Pierre et Marie Curie. Received: 25 June 2002 / Revised version: 11 September 2002 / Published online: 15 November 2002 RID="*" ID="*"Present address: Institute for Physical Research, Ashtarak-2, 378 410 Armenia. RID="**" ID="**"Corresponding author. Fax: +33-1/4432-3434, E-mail:marianne@lkb.ens.fr     

Plasma and surface modeling of the deposition of hydrogenated carbon films from low-pressure methane plasmas

The elementary mechanisms are described which determine the plasma and surface processes during the plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition of hydrogenated carbon films from methane. Corresponding model calculations are reviewed and critically discussed in comparison to experimental results. A realistic modeling requires the simultaneous and self-consistent treatment of plasma and surface effects. Several experimental data sets on plasma parameters and the growth and the composition of the films have been reproduced successfully. However, a broader experimental data base is needed for more critical tests of the models. The reliability of the modeling, in particular of the surface effects, is still limited due to the poor availability of elementary data.     

Photocatalytic and superhydrophilicity properties of N-doped TiO2 nanothin films

Pure TiO₂ and nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO₂) thin films were prepared by sol-gel method through spin coating on soda lime glass substrates. TiCl₄ and urea were used as Ti and N sources in the sol. XRD results showed nitrogen doping has retarded anatase to rutile phase transformation. The doping also leads to a decrease in roughness of the samples from 4 nm (TiO₂) to 1 nm (N-TiO₂). However, surface analysis by statistical methods reveals that both surfaces have self-affine structure. Optical band gap of thin films was shifted from 3.65 eV (TiO₂) to 3.47 eV (N-TiO₂). Hydrophilic conversion and photocatalytic degradation properties of thin films were investigated and exhibited that N-TiO₂ thin film has more preferable hydrophilicity and photocatalytic properties under UV illumination.     

Suppression of silicon (001) surface reactivity using a valence-mending technique

It is experimentally shown that, by terminating dangling bonds on Si(001) with a monatomic layer of selenium, the chemical reactivity of the surface is suppressed. In the case of nickel silicidation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that Se passivation suppresses Ni silicidation by over 100 °C as compared to the bare Si(001) surface. The formation of Ni subsilicide (Ni₂Si) is not observed on Se-passivated Si(001). This interfacial silicidation appears to be linked with changes in electrical behavior of the interface between titanium and Se-passivated Si(001), which we reported previously.     

Influence of transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) on the methane combustion over Pd/Ce-Zr/Al2O3 catalyst

The effects of transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) on the catalytic properties of Pd/Ce-Zr/Al₂O₃ catalyst for methane combustion have been investigated. The supported Pd catalysts are characterized by BET, XRD, TEM, TPR, TPO and TPSR measurements. Activity tests in methane combustion show that Pd/Ce-Zr-Ni/Al₂O₃ has the highest catalytic activity and thermal stability among all catalysts. The results of TEM show that the addition of Ni to Pd/Ce-Zr/Al₂O₃ increases the dispersion of Pd component and inhibits the site growth. The results of TPO and TPSR show that the addition of Ni inhibits the decomposition of PdO particles and improves the reduction-reoxidation properties of the active PdO species, which increases the catalytic activity and thermal stability of the Pd/Ce-Zr/Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Giant field amplification in tungsten nanowires

The original RF-sputtering-assisted technique to produce metal wires with tip-curvature radii at the nanometer scale was developed and applied to tungsten. The wire tips were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Field-emission tests of those wires exhibit excellent performance and reliable processability. Very high field-amplification factors of 18000 were demonstrated. Received: 1 November 2002 / Accepted: 30 November 2002 / Published online: 11 April 2003 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +1-972/479-4482, E-mail: alexander.umnov@fla.fujitsu.com     

KrF excimer laser ablation of thin Cr film on glass substrate

Received: 5 October 1998 / Accepted: 14 December 1998 / Published online: 24 February 1999     

Desorption of chemisorbed Carbon on Mo(1 0 0) by noble gas ion sputtering: Validation of ground test measurements of ion engine lifetimes

We report desorption cross section measurements for one monolayer of chemisorbed carbon on a Mo(1 0 0) surface induced by sputtering with noble gas ions (Ne⁺, Ar⁺, Xe⁺) at different incident angles, ion energies, and substrate temperatures. Desorption cross sections were determined by using low-energy ion scattering (LEIS) to monitor the increase of the signal from the Mo substrate. A monolayer of p(1 × 1) carbon adatoms on the Mo(1 0 0) surface was created by dosing ethylene (C₂H₄) to the substrate at 800 K, and characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). We find that the carbon desorption cross section increases with increasing mass and energy of the impinging ions, and there is a maximum value for the desorption cross section at an incident angle for the ions of 30° from the surface plane. The desorption cross section also increases up to a substrate temperature of 300 °C. Values for the carbon desorption cross section for carbon adatoms on Mo(1 0 0) by 400-eV Xe⁺ ion sputtering are about 2 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm², which is one order of magnitude higher than those for bulk carbon samples. This information is particularly important for evaluation of ion-engine lifetimes from ground-test measurements in which contaminant carbon is deposited on Mo accelerator grids, potentially altering the sputtering rate of the Mo. Our measurements show that monolayer amounts of carbon on Mo have desorption cross sections that are two orders of magnitude higher than estimates of what would be required to reduce the Mo erosion rate, and thus ground-test measurements can be used with confidence to predict ion-engine wear in space, from this perspective.     

Femtosecond dynamics of chemical reactions at surfaces

One of the major goals in physical chemistry is to obtain a microscopic understanding of chemical reactions. Recent developments in femtosecond laser techniques provide the opportunity to resolve the timescale of elementary steps of chemical reactions at surfaces. This is exemplified for the femtosecond laser-induced oxidation of CO on Ru(001). Among other adsorbate-specific probes vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy offers the possibility to monitor adsorbates or reaction intermediates directly at the surface. Recently, we have employed this technique to investigate the dynamics of the CO-stretch vibration of CO adsorbed on Ru(001) after optical excitation leading to CO desorption. Received: 4 August 2000 / Accepted: 2 September 2000 / Published online: 12 October 2000     

Measurement of gas jet flow velocities using laser-induced electrostrictive gratings

We used time-resolved light scattering of cw probe laser radiation from laser-induced electrostrictive gratings for the determination of flow velocities in air at room temperature. Some possibilities of the technique have been experimentally demonstrated with submerged planar air jets in atmosphere, both for accumulated and single-shot measurements. The range of investigated flow velocities was 5–200 m/s. The method of data treatment and of the estimate of the experimental parameters is described. Received: 8 Febuary 2000 / Revised version: 2 May 2000 / Published online: 2 August 2000     

Nanotomographic examinations of ion tracks in cellulose nitrate by ion energy loss spectrometry

Received: 13 October 1997/Accepted: 25 August 1998