1. Understanding the Growth Mechanisms
of Quantum Size Effect Nanocrystals
Paul F. Miceli, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri-Columbia
The small size of Pb nanocrystals leads to novel and unexpected behavior
exhibits particular “magic” crystal heights due to the quantum confinement of electrons
atoms rearrange themselves 1000 times faster than in conventional bulk crystals
nanocrystal size distribution depends sensitively on the growth rate and temperature in
unexpected ways
Counter-intuitive behavior: producing them quickly leads to lower density of nanocrystals
Pb nanocrystals consume the highly disordered Pb wetting layer, creating a smooth buried interface that facilitates electron standing wave states in the nanocrystal
Intense x-ray synchrotron radiation from the Advanced Photon Source allows us to see the diffuse scattering signature from less than one atomic layer worth of Pb nanocrystals
Pb nanocrystal
Disordered
Pb wetting layer
Si(111) substrate