Formation of nanoscale trenches and wires as a pathway to phase-separation in strained epitaxial Ge-Sn alloys

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-1999

Abstract

We report on the molecular beam epitaxial growth of Ge0.93Sn0.07 alloys on Ge (100). A strained planar Ge0.93Sn0.07 film forms at the initial stages, as observed and confirmed by AFM and X-ray analysis. Continued deposition leads to formation of 3D Sn islands, which initiates phase-separation in the strained GeSn thin film through a kinetic pathway that leaves behind a pattern of nanoscale trenches and wires that run along 〈100〉 directions. This morphological transition only happens in a certain range of temperature, thickness and composition. The morphological features observed in Ge0.93Sn0.07 films potentially offer a unique pathway for fabrication of nanostructures.

Publication Title

Thin Solid Films

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