Alloy multilayers and ternary nanostructures by direct-write approach

The fabrication of nanopatterned multilayers, as used in optical and magnetic applications, is usually achieved by two independent steps, which consist in the preparation of multilayer films and in the successive patterning by means of lithography and etching processes. Here we show that multilayer nanostructures can be fabricated by using focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID), which allows the direct writing of nanostructures of any desired shape with nanoscale resolution. In particular, [Formula: see text] multilayers are prepared by the alternating deposition from the metal carbonyl precursors, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and neopentasilane, [Formula: see text]. The ability to fabricate nanopatterned multilayers by FEBID is of interest for the realization of hyperbolic metamaterials and related nanodevices. In a second experiment, we treated the multilayers by low-energy electron irradiation in order to induce atomic species intermixing with the purpose to obtain ternary nanostructured compounds. Transmission electron microscopy and electrical transport measurements indicate that in thick multilayers, (n = 12), the intermixing is only partial, taking place mainly in the upper part of the structures. However, for thin multilayers, (n = 2), the intermixing is such that a transformation into the L2₁ phase of the Co₂FeSi Heusler compound takes place over the whole sample volume.

Controlled co-deposition of FePt nanoparticles embedded in MgO: a detailed investigation of structure and electronic and magnetic properties

Films of FePt nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in MgO were obtained by controlled co-deposition of FePt NPs pre-formed by a gas aggregation source and of Mg evaporated in an oxygen atmosphere. Assemblies of core-shell FePt@MgO NPs and films of FePt NPs embedded in MgO matrix could be obtained by varying FePt and Mg deposition rates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution-TEM revealed the core-shell structure of the NPs, with an FePt core (of average diameter (d) = 4.75 nm) presenting a multitwinned icosahedral structure, and MgO partially in crystalline form. The functional effect of the MgO shell in shielding the FePt core from external oxidation was shown with XPS. Upon controlled annealing, a transition from A1 to L10 ordering could be obtained, with structural and morphological re-arrangement. The magnetic hysteresis loops obtained from alternating gradient field magnetometry at room temperature show a 'wasp-waist' shape, with small values of coercive field (Hc = 300-1400 Oe), decreasing at increasing amounts of co-deposited MgO.

Using evidence from nanocavities to assess the vibrational properties of external surfaces

Internal surfaces of nanocavities are an exceptionally useful laboratory wherein one can spotlight the factors ruling the intricate interplay between morphology and chemistry at silicon surfaces. At the same time, they offer unparalleled opportunities to validate the assignment of vibrational signals of silicon-terminating species under almost ideal experimental conditions. In the case of hydrogen, evidence will be provided of the detailed evolution of H-related species at surfaces depending on their orientation. Also, preliminary results concerning nitrogen at and around nanocavity surfaces will be reported.

Structure and stability of nickel/nickel oxide core-shell nanoparticles

The results of a combined x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) study of Ni nanoparticles (NP), before and after oxidation, are presented. An experimental set-up was realized for the preparation and study of pre-formed NP films, concentrating the attention on Ni NP in the diameter range between 4 and 8 nm. The XPS data were taken in situ from NPs after different stages of oxidation, including controlled dosing of O(2) gas in the experimental system and exposure to the atmosphere. The Ni 2p structure is a combination of spectra from metallic Ni in the NP core and from the oxide shell. The signal from the NP core was observed even for samples after exposure to air. From the comparison of HR-TEM experimental images with theoretical simulations, it was found that the Ni NP core has a regular multitwinned icosahedral structure, composed of single-crystal tetrahedra with (111) faces. The NiO phase is clearly observed forming islands on the NP surface.

Method for determination of the displacement field in patterned nanostructures by TEM/CBED analysis of split high-order Laue zone line profiles

A method to extract accurate information on the displacement field distribution from split high-order Laue zones lines in a convergent-beam electron diffraction pattern of nanostructures has been developed. Starting from two-dimensional many beam dynamical simulation of HOLZ patterns, we assembled a recursive procedure to reconstruct the displacement field in the investigated regions of the sample, based on the best fit of a parametrized model. This recursive procedure minimizes the differences between simulated and experimental patterns, taken in strained regions, by comparing the corresponding rocking curves of a number of high-order Laue zone reflections. Due to its sensitivity to small displacement variations along the electron beam direction, this method is able to discriminate between different models, and can be also used to map a strain field component in the specimen. We tested this method in a series of experimental convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns, taken in a shallow trench isolation structure. The method presented here is of general validity and, in principle, it can be applied to any sample where not negligible strain gradients along the beam direction are present.