Lugstein A., Schöndorfer C., Bertagnolli E.
Technical University Vienna, AT
Keywords: ion beam processing, nanowire, sensor
Sb nanowires with a homogeneous distribution of diameters of about 25 nm and length up to several microns are synthesized in a self-assembling process without any additional material source at room temperature by the impact of a focused ion beam (FIB). It is supposed that supersaturation is the driving force for nucleation of seeds at the interface between the alloy cluster and the substrate surface giving rise to a highly anisotropic growth of nanostructures. Individual nanowires transferred onto isolating substrate surfaces have been contacted by electron beam lithographically processed Ti/Au pads for electrical characterization. It was observed, that the ambient atmosphere has a great influence on the measurements. Therefore the use of a climatic chamber is essential to be able to perform reproducible measurements. In the contrary to ambient of both pure He and H2, where no influence is observed, the conductivity of the single Sb nanowire is highly sensitive on water vapor. In the humidity range from about 50 to 100% (11 to 21mbar partial pressure of water) the nanowire changes its resistivity over 5 orders of magnitude. Right now we try to increase minimum response times of the sensor and check the response for other gases (COx, alcohol,..)
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 22 - 25
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Photonic Materials & Devices
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1