Morphology of the stabilized natural faces of a CdS1−x Sex solid solution

The morphology of the stabilized surfaces of CdS_1?x Se_x crystals exposed to air at room temperature is studied by atomic force microscopy. The characteristic features of the relief of the natural faces of these crystals are described, and the causes of the appearance of these features are discussed. The morphological results are related to the results of the microcathodoluminescence study of surface micro-and nanostructures. This study revealed objects that contribute to exciton emission and, hence, are CdS_1?x Se_x solid solutions.     

Atomic force microscopy of the supramolecular organization and strength properties of ultrathin polysiloxane block copolymer films

Ultrathin films of polysiloxane block copolymers and their composites with modifying additives of the C₆₀ fullerene have been studied using atomic force microscopy. It has been revealed that, independently of the concentration of the additives, the surface relief of the films has an ordered structure with a period of approximately 35 nm, which is associated with the presence of a spatial network of rigid block domains of ladder phenylsilasesquioxane in the block copolymer. The mechanical properties of the films have been determined from indentation tests of their surface layers. Reliable quantitative measurements have been performed with specially fabricated spherical indenters of the calibrated submicron radius of curvature. The obtained values of the strength parameters correlate with the data derived from standard physical and mechanical tests of thick films. It has been found that the addition of the C₆₀ fullerene at a level of 0.01% significantly improves the elasticity of the surface layers of the block copolymer.     

Formation of structures from amorphous metallic nanoparticles by dispersing metal drops continuously charging in an electron beam

The formation of amorphous metal nanoparticles by the method of electrohydrodynamic dispersion is studied. In this method, fine liquid metal drops are generated, charged in an electron beam to an unstable state, and dispersed into nanometer droplets. Rapid cooling of these nanometer droplets results in the formation of amorphous metal nanoparticles. The chief problem in the formation of such particles is that it is difficult to charge molten metal drops to an unstable state, since the bombardment of the drop by an electron beam may cause intense emission of electrons. To overcome this difficulty, the drops are charged by a beam of slow electrons. Charging proceeds in such a way that the electron energy rises with the drop’s charge. It is shown that this method makes it possible to obtain granulated films made up of amorphous metal particles. Copper films with a nanoparticle mean size of 2 nm and a small dimensional variation are prepared.