Subscribe free to our newsletters via your
. Space Industry and Business News .




NANO TECH
New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently
by Staff Writers
Aalto, Finland (SPX) Feb 26, 2015


Initially the substrate is prepared by depositing Au nanoparticles on it and covering it with a hole-patterned oxide. The first nanowires grow from these holes and after the oxide is removed, the other type of nanowires are grown via the deposited nanoparticles. The resulting dual-type array is presented on the electron micrograph on the right. Image courtesy Aalto University.

Researchers at Aalto University, Finland have developed a new method to implement different types of nanowires side-by-side into a single array on a single substrate. The new technique makes it possible to use different semiconductor materials for the different types of nanowires.

'We have succeeded in combining nanowires grown by the VLS (vapor-liquid-solid) and SAE (selective-area epitaxy) techniques onto the same platform. The difference compared with studies conducted previously on the same topic is that in the dual-type array the different materials do not grow in the same nanowire, but rather as separate wires on the same substrate', says Docent Teppo Huhtio.

The research results were published in the Nano Letters journal.

Several applications
The new fabrication process has many phases. First, gold nanoparticles are spread on a substrate. Next, the substrate is coated with silicon oxide, into which small holes are then patterned using electron beam lithography.

In the first step of growth, (SAE), nanowires grow from where the holes are located, after which the silicon oxide is removed. In the second phase different types of nanowires are grown with the help of the gold nanoparticles (VLS). The researchers used metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy reactor in which the starting materials decompose at a high temperature, forming semiconductor compounds on the substrate.

'In this way we managed to combine two growth methods into the same process', says doctoral candidate Joona-Pekko Kakko.

'We noticed in optical reflection measurements that light couples better to this kind of combination structure. For instance, a solar cell has less reflection and better absorption of light', Huhtio adds.

In addition to solar cells and LEDs, the researchers also see good applications in thermoelectric generators. Further processing for component applications has already begun.

Nanowires are being intensely researched, because semiconductor components that are currently in use need to be made smaller and more cost-effective. The nanowires made out of semiconductor materials are typically 1-10 micrometres in length, with diameters of 5-100 nanometres.


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
Aalto University
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle








NANO TECH
Optical nanoantennas set the stage for a NEMS lab-on-a-chip revolution
Washington DC (SPX) Feb 25, 2015
Newly developed tiny antennas, likened to spotlights on the nanoscale, offer the potential to measure food safety, identify pollutants in the air and even quickly diagnose and treat cancer, according to the Australian scientists who created them. The new antennas are cubic in shape. They do a better job than previous spherical ones at directing an ultra-narrow beam of light where it is nee ... read more


NANO TECH
Japan's NTT to buy German data centre operator: report

Moving molecule writes letters

New filter could advance terahertz data transmission

A simple way to make and reconfigure complex emulsions

NANO TECH
Navy satellite communications systems getting support services

Russia to Launch Two Military Satellites in February

Navy orders additional LCS mission modules

U.S. EA-18G Growlers getting new electronic warfare system

NANO TECH
Soyuz Installed at Baikonur, Expected to Launch Wednesday

Leaders share messages, priorities at AFA Symposium

Moog offers "SoftRide" for enhanced spacecraft protection during launch

Russian-Ukrainian Satan Rocket to Launch South Korean Satellite as Planned

NANO TECH
Tehran keeps tighter leash on strays with GPS collars

China, Russia strengthen satellite navigation cooperation

India Interested in Russia's Glonass Satellite Navigation System

Latest Galileo satellites reach launch site

NANO TECH
Britain adding Brimstone 2 missiles to Typhoon arsensal

Boeing and Raytheon bid for Saudi command-and-control deal

Sensors Detect Icing Conditions to Help Protect Airplanes

Slovakia seeking Black Hawk helos

NANO TECH
QR codes with advanced imaging and photon encryption protect computer chips

Radio chip for the 'Internet of things'

Smarter multicore chips

Penn researchers develop new technique for making molybdenum disulfide

NANO TECH
Via laser into the past of the oceans

Satellite gearing up to take EPIC pictures of Earth

NASA snaps picture of Eastern US in a record-breaking 'freezer'

ESA's Biomass satellite goes ahead

NANO TECH
Agricultural insecticides pose a global risk to surface water bodies

Fears over plastic-eating coral in Australia's Barrier Reef

Peruvian peasant takes on mining giant

Great Barrier Reef corals eat plastic




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.