Germanium Nanowire Growth Below the Eutectic Temperature

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1139105
• Publication Date: 2007-05-03T21:48:12Z
• Authors: S. Kodambaka; J. Tersoff; M. C. Reuter; F. M. Ross
• Keywords: Eutectic bonding; Vapor–liquid–solid method

Nanowires are conventionally assumed to grow via the vapor-liquid-solid process, in which material from vapor is incorporated into growing nanowire a liquid catalyst, commonly low–melting point eutectic alloy. However, nanowires have been observed below temperature, and state of catalyst remains controversial. Using situ microscopy, we showed that, for classic Ge/Au system, growth can occur temperature with either or solid catalysts at same temperature. We found, unexpectedly, that depends on pressure thermal history. suggest these phenomena may be due kinetic enrichment alloy composition expect results relevant other systems.