Nanostructure Formation and Evolution in Thin Films

Iowa State University, Ames IA

Investigators

Abstract

In this research project supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, Professors James Evans and Patricia Thiel and their coworkers at Iowa State University are examining the atomic level mechanisms of thin film growth. Using a combined experimental/computational approach, this team is investigating the anisotropic homoepitaxial growth of metals on metals, concentrating on the growth of silver on the Ag(110) single crystal surface. The effect of adsorbate surfactants on the growth mechanism and morphology of the thin film is also examined. Variable temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, high-resolution low energy electron diffraction, and kinetic Monte Carlo methods are all used to examine these growth processes. The results of this work help to define and control the structure and stability of nanostructures for various technological applications. Understanding the detailed mechanism of metal on metal growth is the goal of this research project carried out at Iowa State University. A combination of experimental and computational methods is used to examine anisotropic growth, surfactant mediated growth, and the stability and morphology of nanostructures on metal and graphite surfaces. Information obtained from these studies impacts technologies for electronic device fabrication and nanostructured materials.