Self-Organized Nanostructures Generated on Au, Ag and Cu Surfaces by Low-Temperature Electron Irradiation

Abstract

We describe a new type of self-organized nanostructure for Au, Ag and Cu thin foils irradiated with high-energy electrons at around 100 K. The nanostructure appears on the electron exit surface and consists of aligned grooves which developed parallel to the surface, and nanoholes and hillocks which grew parallel to the electron beam. The groove pattern depends on the irradiation direction, the surface orientation, and the kind of metal. After about 1000 s of irradiation, penetration of the foil by grooves and holes occurs, finally leading to the formation of nanoslits or nanoparticles. These structures are probably the smallest ones generated so far on each metal surface. It is suggested that some irradiation-induced effects are closely related to the generation of nanostructures.