Geometrical Frustration in Nanowire Growth

• DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.265502
• Publication Date: 2011-12-23T17:24:43Z
• Authors: K. W. Schwarz; J. Tersoff; S. Kodambaka; Y.-C. Chou; F. M. Ross
• Keywords: Sawtooth wave; Facet (psychology)

Idealized nanowire geometries assume stable sidewalls at right angles to the growth front. Here we report simulations that include a mix of nonorthogonal facet orientations, as for Au-catalyzed Si. We compare these with in situ microscopy observations, finding striking correspondences. In both experiments and simulations, there are distinct modes accommodate lack different ways--one through sawtooth-textured sidewalls, other front an angle axis. Small changes conditions can reversibly switch between modes. The fundamental differences have important implications control growth.