Impact of nucleation conditions on diameter modulation of GaAs nanowires

Nanotechnology. 2015 Jun 5;26(22):225604. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/22/225604. Epub 2015 May 13.

Abstract

Diameter-modulated nanowires can be used to impart unique properties to nanowire-based devices. Here, diameter modulation along Au-seeded GaAs nanowires was achieved by varying the flux of the III and V precursors during growth. Furthermore, three different types of [111]B-oriented nanowires were observed to display distinct differences in diameter modulation, growth rate, and cross-sectional shape. These differences are attributed to the presence of multiple distinct Au-Ga seed particle phases at the growth temperature of 420 °C. We show that the diameter modulation behavior can be modified by the growth conditions during nanowire nucleation, including temperature, V/III ratio, substrate orientation, and seed particle size. These results demonstrate the general viability of flow-controlled diameter modulation for compound semiconductors and highlight both opportunities and challenges that can arise from using compound-forming alloys to seed nanowire growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.