Naslov
Temperature behaviour of the average size of nanoparticle lattices co-deposited with an amorphous matrix. Analysis of Ge + Al2O3 and Ni + Al2O3 thin films

Autori
Mezzasalma, Stefano ; Car, Tihomir ; Nekić, Nikolina ; Jerčinović, Marko ; Buljan, Maja

Izvornik
Journal of physics. Condensed matter (0953-8984) 29 (2017), 43; 435301, 15

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
nanoparticle lattice ; thin amorphous oxide films ; continuum thermodynamic theories ; thermal effects ; sputtering

Sažetak
We theoretically interpret the thermal behaviour of the average radius versus substrate temperature of regular quantum dot/nanocluster arrays formed by sputtering semiconductor/metal atoms with oxide molecules. The analysis relies on a continuum theory for amorphous films with given surface quantities, perturbed by a nanoparticle lattice. An account of the basic thermodynamic contributions is given in terms of force-flux phenomenological coefficients of each phase (Ge, Ni, Al2O3). Average radii turn out to be expressible by a characteristic length scale and a dimensionless parameter, which mainly depend upon temperature through diffusion lengths, film pressures and finite-size corrections to interfacial tensions. The numerical agreement is good in both Ge (4%) and Ni (15.4%) lattices grown at temperatures <= 800 K, despite the lower temperature behaviour of quantum dots seeming to suggest further driving forces taking part in such processes.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika

POVEZANOST RADA