An anchoring strategy for photoswitchable biosensor technology: azobenzene-modified SAMs on Si(111)

A mild and efficient procedure has been developed to obtain covalently attached self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Si(111) with photochromic azobenzene head-groups. Starting from neat or diluted carboxylic acid functionalized monolayers on-chip coupling reactions were applied to attach hydroxyl-functionalized azobenzene units to the SAMs by ester bond formation. The modified surfaces were characterized by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle measurements. Reversible cis ↔ trans isomerizations of photoswitchable SAMs were monitored by wettability measurements. Electronic Supplementary Material  The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Dedicated with respect and compliments to Professor Helmut Schwarz on the occasion of his 65th birthday.     

Surface morphology of ZnO buffer layer and its effects on the growth of GaN films on Si substrates by magnetron sputtering

ZnO thin films were first prepared on Si(111) substrates using a radio frequency magnetron sputtering system. Then the as-grown ZnO films were annealed in oxygen ambient at temperatures of 700, 800, 900, and 1000°C , respectively. The morphologies of ZnO films were studied by an atom force microscope (AFM). Subsequently, GaN epilayers about 500 nm thick were deposited on the ZnO buffer layers. The GaN/ZnO films were annealed in NH₃ ambient at 900°C. The microstructure, morphology and optical properties of GaN films were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The results are shown, their properties having been investigated particularly as a function of the ZnO layers. For better growth of the GaN films, the optimal annealing temperature of the ZnO buffer layers was 900°C.     

On the correctness of estimates on (n,e)-amplitude and neutron polarizability from total cross sections of Bi and Pb

The explanation of a discrepancy in the(n, e)-scattering amplitude values obtained by the Garching and Dubna groups from the data on the scattering length and total cross sections for Bi was suggested. It is also shown that the methods of derivation of the neutron polarizability coefficient used by these groups have incorrectnesses leading to additional uncertainties of neutron polarizability evaluations.     

Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> plasma production during pulsed laser deposition

A Nd:YAG laser operating in second harmonic (532 nm), 3 ns pulse duration, 150 mJ pulse energy, and 10 Hz repetition rate, is employed to irradiate Al₂O₃ target placed in high vacuum. The produced plasma is investigated by an ion collector used in time-of-flight configuration and by a mass quadrupole spectrometer, in order to determine the equivalent plasma temperature and the atomic and molecular composition. Pulsed laser deposition technique has been used to produce thin films on different substrates placed close to the target. Different surface analyses, such as energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface profilometry are employed to characterize the produced films. Measurements of ablation yield, plasma equivalent temperature, acceleration voltage and characterization of grown thin films are presented and discussed.     

Formation of surface stabilized Si nanocrystal by pulsed laser ablation in hydrogen gas

We prepared silicon nanocrystallites by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) of a Si target in hydrogen background gas. A mixture of hydrogen and helium was used as a background gas and the hydrogen partial pressure was varied. The deposited nanocrystal-film system shows a hierarchical structure composed of surface hydrogenated silicon nanocrystallites as the primary structure and aggregates of the nanocrystallites as the secondary structure. The size of the primary particles was not sensitive to the hydrogen partial pressure, while the porosity of the secondary structure constituted by the aggregation of the primary particles increased with increasing hydrogen partial pressure. This indicates that the surface is stabilized and that aggregation of the primary structure is depressed by surface hydrogenation. The optical gap energy of the deposits shifted to higher energy with increasing hydrogen partial pressure due to the formation of well-isolated nanocrystallites by surface stabilization. These results indicate that PLA in hydrogen gas is a promising technique to prepare surface stabilized and controlled silicon nanocrystallites.     

SBN thin films growth by RF plasma beam assisted pulsed laser deposition

SBN thin films were grown on MgO and Silicon substrates by PLD and RF-PLD (radiofrequency assisted PLD) starting from single crystal Sr_0.6Ba_0.4Nb₂O₆ and ceramic Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb₂O₆ stoichiometric targets. Morphological and structural analyses were performed on the SBN layers by AFM and XRD and optical properties were measured by spectroellipsometry. The films composition was determined by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry. The best set of experimental conditions for obtaining crystalline, c-axis preferential texture and with dominant 31° in-plane orientation relative to the MgO (100) axis is identified.     

Square-pyramidal iron coordination modules as potential spin switches for the chemisorption on gold

Octahedral iron(II) complexes of a unique pyridine-derived tetrapodal pentadentate polyamine ligand, 2,6-C₅H₃N(CMe[CH₂NH₂]₂)₂, show temperature-dependent spin crossover (SCO) depending on the nature of a sixth monodentate ligand L (imidazol or pyridine derivative). For L = 1-methylimidazol, the redox behaviour of the complex, as determined by cyclic voltammetry, suggests an accompanying ligand exchange. Pyridine-4-thiol and the disulphides: 4-(2-methyldisulphanyl)pyridine, 4-(2-hexadecyldisulphanyl)pyridine and 1,2-bis([pyridine-4-yl]methyl)disulphane, were studied as mono-dentate ligands L, with a view to enable chemisorption of iron(II) complexes on a gold surface. In the case of pyridine-4-thiol, the participation of the thiolate functional group in iron coordination is difficult to suppress, whereas the disulphides enter into yet unrecorded redox chemistry with iron(II), yielding a di-iron(III) complex containing a persulphide bridge (S ₂²⁻).     

Ordered macroporous gold thin film with encaptured polymer spheres

A two-dimensional colloidal crystal fabricated from core-shell polystyrene spheres was employed as a template for the electrochemical deposition of gold. By partially embedding the colloidal spheres into the gold film and selectively removing the shells of the colloidal spheres, highly ordered macroporous gold thin films with captured polystyrene spheres were obtained.     

Quantum cloning machine of a state in a belt of Bloch sphere

We analyze the problem of approximate quantum cloning when the quantum state is between two latitudes on the Bloch’s sphere. We present an analytical formula for the optimized 1-to-2 cloning. The formula unifies the universal quantum cloning (UQCM) and the phase covariant quantum cloning.     

Size selected growth of nanodots: effects of growth kinetics and energetics on the formation of stationary size distributions

The size selection of nanodots during the growth is studied by using a reaction kinetic model, where reaction rates depend on the dot size. The characteristic feature of the reaction rates is the energetics, where the free energy of dots has a minimum at the certain dot size. The model equations are solved by using a particle coalescence simulation method. We find phenomenologically three distinct stages of growth. First, during the initial deposition stage, distributions with high density of small dots occur. Second, there is an intermediate and short-lived stationary state, which is controlled by kinetics of growth. Third, a long-lived stationary state is obtained, with nearly Gaussian size distributions, mostly determined by the energetics of the growth but also significantly affected by the kinetics. In the final stage, size selection and narrowing of the distributions occur. It is also shown that in the final stage of growth the Fokker-Planck type continuum model describes well the evolution of the distributions and the size selection.     

Polaronic effects in one-dimensional quantum antidot arrays

We study the effect of polaronic corrections arising from theelectron-longitudinal optical phonon interaction on the energyspectrum of a two-dimensional electron system with a one-dimensionalperiodic antidot array geometry created by a weak electrostaticmodulation potential, and subjected to a weak magnetic fieldmodulation as well as a uniform strong perpendicular staticmagnetic field. To incorporate the effects of electron-phononinteractions within the framework of Fröhlich polaron theory, wefirst apply a displaced-oscillator type unitary transformation todiagonalise the relevant Fröhlich Hamiltonian, and we thendetermine the parameters of this transformation together with theparameter included in the electronic trial wave function . On thebasis of this technique, it has been shown that the polaroniccorrections have non-negligible effects on the electronic spectrumof a two-dimensional electron system with a quantum antidot array,since switching such an interaction results in shifting thedegeneracy restoring points of Landau levels wherein the flatbandcondition is fulfilled, thus suppressing the Weiss oscillations.     

Spectrally selective splitters with metal-dielectric-metal surface plasmon waveguides

Spectrally selective splitters with metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) subwavelength waveguides are proposed in this paper. The method is based on the Bragg grating structure with periodically modulated MDM waveguide width, which delivers a stop band effect for the surface plasmon propagating in the waveguide. By adding appropriate Bragg grating structure in one or more arms of the waveguide splitters, light in a certain frequency range can be readily guided into the desired directions, as demonstrated numerically by the finite-difference time-domain method. Dependence and optimization of the geometrical parameters are also considered in this paper.     

Open-system density matrix description of an STM-driven atomic switch: H on Si(100)

Previous experiments indicate that an STM (scanning tunnelling microscope) can be used to switch a hydrogen atom at a partially hydrogen-covered Si(100)-2×1 surface, from one Si atom of a Si dimer to a neighbouring, empty Si site [U.J. Quaade et al., Surf. Sci. 415, L1037, 1998]. It has been suggested that the switching occurs via a transient positive ion resonance state. In an earlier paper, we have examined the switching process for the “above threshold” regime when the bias is large enough to directly populate the positive ion resonance. In the present paper we study the “below threshold” regime instead, where the switching is more appropriately modelled as a ladder climbing over the barrier, in the ground electronic state. For this purpose we solve the Liouville–von Neumann equation in Lindblad form, describing a switching H atom on a Si dimer. STM-induced transition rates between vibrational levels are estimated from cluster calculations, assuming contributions both from a dipole and a resonance scattering mechanism. Vibrational relaxation is also included, as well as finite temperature and field effects. The switching rate in a current regime of about 1 to 10 nA scales highly non-linearly with current, and it is found to be governed by vibrational “ladder climbing” and subsequent tunnelling through the top of the ground state barrier. Multi-phonon processes also play a role. As a result of tunnelling, pronounced isotope effects are observed when replacing H with D. It is further argued that resonance-mediated inelastic scattering dominates over dipole excitation, and that the STM switch is stable also at room temperature.     

Tetracene film morphology: Comparative atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and ellipsometry investigations

X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to study tetracene thin films as a function of deposition rate. A comparative analysis of the thickness and roughness values allows for detailed modelling of the film morphology. An interdigitated growth mode is established for the coexisting thin film and bulk phases. By comparison with the respective quinone-derivative of tetracene, we were additionally able to identify reaction products by their optical response.     

Large-area bi-component processing of organic semiconductors by spray deposition and spin coating with orthogonal solvents

Micrometre-thick uniform layers of a polymeric semiconductor (poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT) have been fabricated from solution by spray deposition making use of a commercial airbrush. Multi-scale characterization by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed the formation of smooth layers featuring reproducible patterns of spatially correlated micron-sized holes. This morphology was found to be uniform over the whole sample surface, on millimetre scale. On this micro-patterned P3HT layer an orthogonal solvent (i.e. a solvent which does not dissolve the P3HT) has been employed to deposit either by spin coating or by drop casting a second organic semiconductor. While spin-coated films exhibited nano-crystals of an alkylated perylene tetracarboxy diimide (PDI) preferentially grown into the micro-fabricated holes, drop-cast films displayed crystalline PDI fibres adsorbed on the patterned surface in random positions. This work was supported by the ESF-SONS2-SUPRAMATES project, the German Science Foundation (Mu 334/28-1), the Regione Emilia-Romagna PRIITT Nanofaber Net-Lab as well as the EU through the projects Marie Curie EST—SUPER (MEST-CT-2004-008128) and the RTN PRAIRIES (MRTN-CT-2006-035810).     

Diffusion of tungsten clusters on tungsten (110) surface

Using molecular dynamics simulation and modified analytic embedded-atom method, we have investigated the self-diffusion of clusters on a tungsten (110) surface. As compared to the linear-chain configuration, the close-packed islands for tungsten clusters containing more than nine adatoms have been predicted to be more stable with the relatively lower binding energies. The migration energies show an interesting and oscillating behavior with increasing cluster size. The tetramer, hexamer and octamer have obviously higher migration energies than the others. The different atomic configurations and diffusion mechanisms have been determined during the diffusion processes. It is clear that the dimer-shearing mechanism occurs inside the hexamer, while it occurs at the periphery of heptamer. The successive hopping mechanism of individual atom is of critical importance in the migration of the clusters containing five or fewer adatoms. In addition, the diffusion of a cluster with nine adatoms is achieved through the changes of the cluster shape.     

On the limits of induced radiation concept in FELs

We discuss a restriction of the induced radiation concept in classical beam systems due to accompanying spontaneous radiation (radiation friction). For short wave FELs, spontaneous radiation renders a noticeable influence on the phasing of particles, which is the base mechanism of induced radiation in classical systems. It leads to an essential restriction on the radiating system length and gain which cannot be compensated by an increase in the beam current. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Visible transmission through metal-coated colloidal crystals

Large-scale periodically structured metal films with enhanced optical transmission in visible frequencies were fabricated by depositing silver onto colloidal crystals. The obtained transmission properties are similar to those observed through periodical hole arrays in planar metal films. We have experimentally observed two enhanced transmission pass bands in visible frequencies in these metal films due to the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons. The peak positions of the pass bands depend on the size of the colloidal spheres. The transmission spectra highly depend on the incident angle for p-polarized light but are weak for s-polarized light. Our fabrication method provides a promising approach for the fabrication of large-scale low-cost plasmonic crystals with submicrometer periodicity.     

Characteristics of ZnO epilayer on the post-annealed buffer layer on GaN/sapphire substrate by pulsed laser deposition

We employed epi-GaN substrates for ZnO film growth, and studied the deposition and post-annealing effects. ZnO films were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The as-grown films were annealed for one hour under atmospheric pressure air. ZnO morphologies after annealing were investigated and the post-annealed ZnO films grown at T _g =700^oC have very smooth surfaces and the rms with roughness is about 0.5 nm. Finally, ZnO post-annealed buffer layer was inserted between ZnO epilayer and GaN/sapphire substrates. It is confirmed by AFM that growth temperature of 700^oC helps the films grow in step-flow growth mode. It is observed by cathode luminescence spectrum that the ZnO film grown at 700^oC has very low visible luminescence, indicating the decrease of the deep level defects. It is also revealed by Hall measurements that carrier concentration is decreased by increasing the growth temperatures. It is suggested that low temperature buffer layer growth and post-annealing technique can be used to fabricate ZnO hetero-epitaxy.     

Structural properties of high-quality sputtered Fe films on Al2O3(1120) and MgO(001) substrates

High-quality thin Fe films were deposited on MgO(001) and Al₂O₃(1120) substrates in the thickness range from 7 to 50 nm. The structural properties have been studied by out-of-plane and in-plane X-ray scattering experiments. From the out-of-plane measurements the electron density profile was determined together with interface and surface roughness parameters. Fe on Al₂O₃ grows along the [110]-direction with a structural coherence length comprising about the total film thick ness and a very small mosaicity. From in-plane scattering experiments a three-domain structure was observed. On MgO(001) substrates Fe grows in the [001]-direction, with the Fe [100]-axis parallel to the MgO [110]-axis. On both substrates, the Fe films exhibit a very small surface and interface roughness, indicative for a high quality of the sputtered samples.