One-dimensional Pattern of Au Nanodots by Ion-beam Sputtering: Formation and Mechanism

J-H. Kim, N-B. Ha, J.-S. Kim, M. Joe, K.-R. Lee,  R. Cuerno
 

Highly ordered one-dimensional arrays of nanodots, or nanobeads, are fabricated by forming nanoripples and nanodots in sequence, entirely by ion-beam sputtering (IBS) of Au(001). This demonstrates the capability of IBS for the fabrication of sophisticated nanostructures via hierarchical self-assembly. The intricate nanobead pattern ideally serves to identify the governing mechanisms for the pattern formation: nonlinear effects, especially local redeposition and surface-confined transport, are essential both for the formation and the preservation of the one-dimensional order of the nanobead pattern.