Controlled growth of Co nanoparticle assembly on nanostructured template Al2O3/NiAl(100)

Based on the systematic studies of the growth temperature, deposition rate, and annealing effects, the control of Co nanoparticle density, size, and alignment is demonstrated to be feasible on a nanostructured template Al2O3/NiAl(100). At 140-170 K, a slow deposition rate (0.027 ML/min) promises both the linear alignment and the high particle density. 1.5 ML Co nanoparticle assembly sustains the density of similar to 260/10(4) nm(2) even after 800-1090 K annealing. This study also indicates the possibilities of the controlled growth for nanoparticles of different materials. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.