Nucleation and nanostructure formation at mixed interfaces


Nucleation and nanostructure formation at mixed interfaces

Heinig, K.-H.; Schmidt, B.; Müller, T.; Roentzsch, L.

Interfaces between two immiscible phases A and B are rather abrupt at thermodynamic equilibrium. A compositional mixing of the interface over a thickness of several nanometers can be achieved by ion irradiation. The interface reforms during thermal treatment of this nonequilibrium state, thereby following an interesting reaction pathway: Phase separation at the former interface position occurs via spinodal decomposition, while the supersaturation in the tails of the mixing profil leads to nucleation and growth of nanocluster layers. The two nanocluster layers are narrow and separated from the recovered abrupt interface by zones denuded of the impurity phase. This kind of heteronucleation and nanostructure growth has been studied by comprehensive atomistic computer simulations as well as experimentally, especially for the Si/SiO2 interface. In collaboration with industry, this nanoluster layers where functionalised as discrete charge storage centers in nonvolatile (FLASH) memories.

Keywords: nanostructure synthesis; interface; ion beam mixing; phase separation; self-organisation; kinetik lattice Monte-Carlo simulation

  • Lecture (Conference)
    International Workshop on Polymorphism in Condensed Matter, 13.-17.11.2006, Dresden, Germany

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Publ.-Id: 9294