Effect of pulse width and fluence of femtosecond laser on the size of nanobump array

Conical nanobump arrays were generated on gold thin film processed by interfering femtosecond laser. The transition of the height and diameter as functions of fluence and pulse width was investigated. When the fluence was 87 mJ/cm², the height and diameter were not so different at 350 fs or shorter pulse width. They decreased at longer pulse width, and no bump could be generated over 1.6 ps. The results suggest the decrease of size is due to the diffusion of electron to not-excited region, and due to heat conduction to not heated region or substrate, or change of absorbance of laser. At long pulse width of 2.4 ps and relatively higher fluence of 190 mJ/cm², nanobump had liquid-like structure as a stop motion of a water drop.     

Ultra fast melting process in femtosecond laser crystallization of thin a-Si layer

In this paper, we investigated the mechanism of crystallization induced by femtosecond laser irradiation for an amorphous Si (a-Si) thin layer on a crystalline Si (c-Si) substrate. The fundamental, SHG, THG wavelength of a Ti:Sapphire laser was used for the crystallization process. To investigate the processed areas we performed Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Imaging Pump-Probe measurements. Except for 267 nm femtosecond laser irradiation, the crystallization occurred well. The threshold fluences for the crystallization using 800 nm and 400 nm femtosecond laser irradiations were 100 mJ/cm² and 30 mJ/cm², respectively. TEM observation revealed that the crystallization occurred by epitaxial growth from the boundary surface between the a-Si layer and c-Si substrate. The melting depths estimated by Imaging Pump-Probe measurements became shallower when the shorter wavelength was used.     

Hydrothermal preparation of one-dimensional assemblies of PbS nanoparticles

The preparation of one-dimensional assemblies of PbS nanoparticles is described. By treating the suspension of PbCl₂ powders in aqueous thioacetamide solution at 120 °C for 18 h, PbS nanoparticles were synthesized in regular chain-like patterns. The particles were less than 100 nm in sizes, and were organized into micron-length assemblies. The starting agents have much influence on the morphology of the products. The possible growth mechanism is also discussed.     

GaAs nanocrystals: Structure and vibrational properties

GaAs nanocrystals were grown on indium tin oxide substrate by an electrodeposition technique. Atomic force microscopic measurement indicates an increase in the size of the nanocrystal with decrease in the electrolysis current density accompanied by the change in the shape of the crystallite. Transmission electron microscopic measurements identify the crystallite sizes to be in the range of 10-15 nm and the crystal structure to be orthorhombic. On account of the quantum size effect, the first optical transition was blue shifted with respect to the band gap of the bulk GaAs and the excitonic peak appeared prominent. A localized phonon mode ascribed to certain point defect occurred in the room temperature micro-Raman spectrum.     

Interphase synthesis and some characteristics of aqueous nickel dispersions

The facilities of one-step preparation method of nickel nanoparticles by the interphase reduction of nickel oleate using sodium borohydride at room temperature without soluble polymer as a protective agent were studied. Nickel obtained by such technique was concentrated in aqueous phase as a black dispersion. The composition and morphology of the colloid's dispersive phase were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, XRD and IR-spectroscopy. The dispersive phase of the prepared colloidal solution represents crystalline spherical nickel nanoparticles with some admixture of nickel boride. Their average size varies between 2 and 6 nm. In accordance with the IR-spectroscopy results the stability of the nickel colloidal dispersions was provided by the surfactant produced through the interphase reaction.     

Patterned aluminum nanowires produced by electron beam at the surfaces of AlF3 single crystals

Cubic- and rectangular-shape single crystals of α-AlF₃ in sizes of 5-50 μm have been synthesized by a solid-vapor phase process. Using the electron beam induced decomposition of AlF₃, a method is demonstrated for fabricating patterned aluminum nanowires in AlF₃ substrate in a scanning electron microscope. By controlling the accelerating voltage, the beam current and scanning time, it is possible to fabricate metallic nanowires of different sizes. The aluminum nanowires may act as nano-interconnects for nanoelectronics. This work demonstrates a potential technique for e-beam nanofabrication.     

Formation of amorphous sapphire by a femtosecond laser pulse induced micro-explosion

We report on structural characterization of void-structures created by a micro-explosion at the locus of a tightly focused femtosecond laser pulse inside the crystalline phase of Al₂O₃ (R3c space group). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro-X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Raman scattering revealed a presence of strongly structurally modified amorphous regions around the void-structures. We discuss issues of achieving the required resolution for structural characterization and assignment of newly formed phases of nano-crystallites by TEM, XRD, and Raman scattering from micro-volumes of modified materials enclosed inside the bulk of the host phase.     

Nanotubular structures of zinc oxide

ZnO nanotubes with a regular polyhedral shape, hollow core, and wall thickness as small as 4 nm, have been prepared in large-area substrate by vapor phase growth. The nanotubes can be classified into two groups consisting of either polycrystalline or straight single crystal. The formation of the ZnO nanotubes was found closely related to the hexagonal structure of the ZnO crystal and the peculiar growth conditions used.     

Cobalt-containing nanocomposites based on zeolites of MFI framework type

Here we report the synthesis of cobalt-containing magnetic nanocomposites based on ZSM-5 zeolite and investigation of their magnetic properties. Preparation of the samples was carried out by thermal decomposition of cobalt carbonyl inside zeolite channels. It was shown that Co@ZSM-5 samples possess ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature owing to formation of anisotropic nanostructures in pores of the matrix.     

Photoluminescence investigation of ZnO:P nanoneedle arrays on InP substrate by pulsed laser deposition

Phosphorus-doped ZnO nanoneedle arrays were prepared by phosphorus diffusion from InP substrate using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The optical properties of ZnO nanoneedle were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Low-temperature photoluminescence spectrum measurements exhibited five acceptor-related emission peaks. The excitation intensity and temperature dependent photoluminescence spectra confirmed that the emission peaks corresponded to neutral-acceptor bound exciton, free electron to acceptor, donor-acceptor pairs, and their first and second photon replicas transitions. Acceptor-binding energy was determined to be 135-167 meV, which agrees well with the best-fitting result of the temperature dependent photoluminescence measurements and is reasonable in terms of theoretic prediction in ZnO.     

Area-selectively sputtering the RuO2 nanorods array

The RuO₂ nanorods array is grown selectively on the SiO₂-patterned sapphire (SA) wafers using reactive sputtering. The area-selectivity is attributed to an early nucleation of RuO₂ and its fast surface coverage on SA (1 0 0) and (0 1 2), in contrast to the sluggish nucleation on glassy SiO₂ in the initial sputtering period. The growth domain is explored by investigating the temperature windows at sputtering power 40, 50, and 60 W. The low-temperature bound is limited by the mobility of precursors on SiO₂ surface, which enables the precursors to depart before aggregating into a large size to smear the non-growth region. The high-temperature bound is set by the horizontal growth which enlarges the rod width and deteriorates its one-dimensional feature. The temperature window shrinks with increasing sputtering power. The X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate the as-sputtered rod surface is ruthenium rich. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that RuO₂ growth on SA (1 0 0) and (0 1 2) follows the epitaxial relations between RuO₂ and SA crystals.     

Assembly of high-anisotropy L10 FePt nanocomposite films

In this paper we report results on the synthesis and magnetic properties of L1₀ FePt nanocomposite films. Three fabrication methods have been developed to produce high-anisptropy FePt films: non-epitaxial growth of (0 0 1)-oriented FePt:X (X=Ag, C) composite films that might be used for perpendicular media; monodispersed FePt(CF_x) core–shell nanocluster-assembled films grown with a gas-aggregation technique and having uniform cluster size and narrow size distribution; and template-mediated self-assembled FePt clusters prepared with chemical synthesis by a hydrogen reduction technique, which has a high potential for controlling both cluster size and orientation. The magnetic properties are controllable through variations in the nanocluster properties and nanostructure. Analytical and numerical simulations have been done for these films, providing better understanding of the magnetization reversal mechanisms. The films show promise for development as magnetic recording media at extremely high areal densities.     

Effect of structure variation on thermal conductivity of hydrogenated silicon film

Hydrogenated silicon film was fabricated by using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The influence of crystalline volume fraction variation on the thermal conductivity was investigated. The relation between crystalline volume and film thickness was characterized by using spectroscopic ellipsometry with Bruggeman effective medium (BEMA) model. The thermal conductivity of silicon film was measured based on Fourier thermal transmitting law using sputtering platinum as electrode. The results demonstrate that the thermal conductivity of silicon film is proportional to the volume fraction of crystalline silicon, and there is crystalline and thermal conductive gradient between surface and bottom in the microcrystalline film.     

Helical nanostructures of SiOx synthesized through the heating of Co-coated substrates

This paper presents the use of the simple annealing technique at 1000 °C to produce the helical nanostructures of SiO_x. We have employed the Co-coated Si substrates, with Co layer and Si substrate utilized as catalyst and Si source, respectively. Beside the ordinary straight nanowires, the helical nanowires such as nanosprings and nanorings were observed. The product was an amorphous structure of SiO_x. We have discussed the possible growth mechanism. Photoluminescence spectrum of the SiO_x nanostructures showed a blue emission at 428 nm and a green emission at 534 nm, respectively.     

Nonlinear optical properties of periodic gold nanoparticle arrays

Periodic Au nanoparticle arrays were fabricated on silica substrates using nanosphere lithography. The identical single-layer masks were prepared by self-assembly of polystyrene nanospheres with radius R = 350 nm. The structural characterization of nanosphere masks and periodic particle arrays was investigated by atomic force microscopy. The nonlinear optical properties of the Au nanoparticle arrays were determined using a single beam z-scan method at a wavelength of 532 nm with laser duration of 55 ps. The results show that periodic Au nanoparticle arrays exhibit a fast third-order nonlinear optical response with the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient being n₂ = 6.09 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/kW and β = −1.87 × 10⁻⁶ m/W, respectively.     

Controlled synthesis and phase characterization of Fe-based nanoparticles obtained by thermal decomposition

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the thermal decomposition of Fe(acac)₃ and Fe(CO)₅. Three different homogeneous procedures were used for the controlled synthesis of Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄/γ-Fe₂O₃ mixture nanocrystals. A combination of characterization techniques was used in order to distinguish these oxides. The controllable size, the narrow distribution and the rhombic self-assembly of the nanoparticles were revealed by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and the X-ray powder diffraction results. For the quantitative analysis of the samples manganometry was used. Preliminary magnetic measurements indicated the size and composition dependence of saturation magnetization, a superparamagnetic behavior of the samples and some ferromagnetic features.     

Preparation and characterization of C54 TiSi2 nanoislands on Si (1 1 1) by laser deposition of TiO2

We present the preparation of C54 TiSi₂ nanoislands on Si (1 1 1) with a method of the pulsed laser deposition of titanium oxide thin films. The TiO₂ thin films with nominal thicknesses of 1 nm on Si (1 1 1) were annealed at 850 °C for about 4 h in situ. The X-ray diffraction patterns and the X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate that the nanoislands are in C54 TiSi₂ phase. The characterization using a scanning tunneling microscope shows that the nanoislands with triangular, polygonal and rod-like shapes on Si (1 1 1) exhibit the Volmer-Weber growth mode. The sizes of the polygonal islands distribute in two separated ranges. For the small islands, they have a narrow lateral size distribution centered at 4 nm and a height range in 0.6-3.6 nm, while for the large islands, their lateral sizes are in the range of 12-40 nm and the heights in the range of 4-9 nm. The sizes of the well-shaped triangular islands are intermediate with the lateral sizes in range of 5-20 nm and the heights of 2-3.5 nm. The rod-like islands are about 50-200 nm in length, 5 nm in height and about 15-20 nm in width. The origination of the various shapes of the nanoislands is attributed to the symmetry of Si (1 1 1) substrate and the lattice mismatch between the C54 TiSi₂ and the Si (1 1 1) surface.     

Fabrication of bismuth telluride nanotubes via a simple solvothermal process

The unique Bi₂Te₃ tubes were obtained via a simple solvothermal reaction in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Bi₂Te₃ nanosheets are vertically grown off the tube wall to form Bi₂Te₃ tubes. A possible formation mechanism is proposed.     

Studies of magnetite nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron (III) acetylacetonate in tri(ethylene glycol)

In this paper, water-soluble magnetite nanoparticles have been directly synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron (III) acetylacetonate, Fe(acac)₃ in tri(ethyleneglycol). Size and morphology of the nanoparticles are determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements while the crystal structure is identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface charge and surface coating of the nanoparticles are recognized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and zeta potential measurements. Magnetic properties are determined using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements. The results show that as-prepared magnetite nanoparticles are relatively monodisperse, single crystalline and superparamagnetic in nature with the blocking temperature at around 100 K. The magnetite nanoparticles are found to be highly soluble in water due to steric and electrostatic interactions between the particles arising by the surface adsorbed tri(ethyleneglycol) molecules and associated positive charges, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies on human cervical (SiHa), mouse melanoma (B16F10) and mouse primary fibroblast cells demonstrate that up to a dose of 80 μg/ml, the magnetic nanoparticles are nontoxic to the cells. Specific absorption rate (SAR) value has been calculated to be 885 and 539 W/gm for samples with the iron concentration of 1 and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. The high SAR value upon exposure to 20 MHz radiofrequency signifies the applicability of as-prepared magnetite nanoparticles for a feasible magnetic hyperthermia treatment.     

Room temperature photoluminescence from amorphous silicon nanoparticles in SiOx thin films

Amorphous SiO_x thin films with four different oxygen contents (x=1.15, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7) have been prepared by thermal evaporation of SiO in vacuum and then annealed at 770 or 970 K in argon for various times ?40 min. The influence of annealing conditions and the initial film composition on photoluminescence (PL) from the annealed films has been explored. Intense room temperature PL has been observed from films with x?1.5, visible with a naked eye. It has been shown that PL spectra of most samples consists of two main bands: (i) a ‘green’ band centered at about 2.3 eV, whose position does not change with annealing conditions and (ii) an ‘orange-red’ band whose maximum moves from 2.1 to 1.7 eV with increasing annealing time and temperature and decreasing initial oxygen content. These observations have been explained assuming recombination via defect states in the SiO_x matrix for the first band and emission from amorphous Si nanoparticles for the second one.