A combination of “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches in the fabrication of “nano bridges”

Abstract

We describe a two step vertical growth of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and the lateral growth of a bridging network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across the SiNWs. SiNWs were formed by an electro-less chemical bath deposition technique using silver nano particles as a virtual mask. Subsequently, the silver nano particles present on the side walls of SiNWs were used as a catalyst in the growth of CNTs by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition technique, forming “nano bridges”. A reduced reflectance of 65 % for the “nano bridge” samples compared to the SiNW samples was obtained suggesting a potential use in anti-reflection coatings.