Growth of Textured Au–Fe/Fe Hybrid Nanocrystals on Oxidized Silicon Surface

Abstract

We present in this report the route to produce highly-textured Au₃Fe(111)/Fe(110) hybrid nanocrystals on an amorphous surface of SiO₂/Si by molecular beam epitaxy. By controlling the quantity of Au atoms deposited onto the SiO₂/Si it is possible to tune the average lateral size of resultant Au–Fe hybrid nanocrystals from 10–20 nm up to 100–150 nm at the same Fe nominal thickness deposited. This process is sensitive to the initial density and size of Au islands. Examination of Au–Fe hybrid nanocrystals obtained was carried out using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, reflection high energy electron diffraction, and Kerr effect methods.