Atomic-scale nanowires on Si(001): Cu on Bi

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The fabrication of nanowires on the atomic scale is an extremely challenging process, typically only achieved via self-assembly or nanoscale lithography. We present density-functional theory results which show that a sequence of different nanowires one atom wide can be grown by deposition of copper on a nanoscale template: the Bi nanolines which self-assemble on Si(001). The resulting nanowires are characterized and show strong dispersion along the wire, as well as isolation from the substrate provided by the nanoline template.