Detailed Mechanism of Nanowire Nucleation and Growth in an MBE System

EasyChair Preprint 14402

Abstract

The precise control of nanowire nucleation and growth in Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) systems is crucial for advancing nanotechnology and its applications in electronics, photonics, and materials science. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms underlying nanowire formation in MBE environments. We begin by outlining the fundamental principles of MBE and its role in fabricating high-quality nanowires. The study delves into the core mechanisms driving nanowire growth, including the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) and Vapor-Solid (VS) processes, highlighting the role of catalyst particles and supersaturation in initiating nucleation.

We discuss the influence of critical MBE parameters—such as substrate temperature, beam flux, and surface orientation—on both the nucleation and subsequent growth phases. The nucleation process, involving the formation of nucleation sites and the catalytic action of metal droplets, is examined in detail, alongside the kinetics governing these early stages. The growth phase is analyzed concerning axial and radial growth mechanisms, addressing the factors that influence nanowire diameter and length, including diffusion processes and surface kinetics.

Challenges in achieving uniform growth, minimizing defects, and controlling nanowire properties are also addressed. The paper reviews characterization techniques employed to monitor and analyze nanowire growth in real-time and post-growth, including both in-situ and ex-situ methods. Finally, we explore current applications of nanowires and potential future directions in research, focusing on the development of new materials and advanced growth techniques.

Keyphrases: Growth techniques, Nanotechnology, crystal quality, nanowires, uniformity

@booklet{EasyChair:14402,
  author    = {Elizabeth Henry},
  title     = {Detailed Mechanism of Nanowire Nucleation and Growth in an MBE System},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14402},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}