Tip-induced nano-writing/machining of Si and DLC surfaces – "anodic" versus thermal oxidation?

Myhra, S., and Watson, G. (2005) Tip-induced nano-writing/machining of Si and DLC surfaces – "anodic" versus thermal oxidation? Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, 81 (3). pp. 487-493.

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Abstract

Tip-induced oxidative manipulation of conducting surfaces, e.g., Si and some metals, has conventionally been described by a field-induced anodic mechanism. Likewise, in the case of electrically conducting graphitic and diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, tip-induced conversion of carbon to CO2 was initially thought to be due to an ionisation process. There is now mounting evidence for thermal activation playing an important role. The state of the tip is a critical, but largely disregarded, factor in such experiments. The present project has been prepared and characterized by I–V analysis, tips with different initial characteristics (e.g., H-termination , Au-coating, native oxide). Likewise, several surfaces have been prepared (e.g., Si plus termination by either native or thermal oxide, or plus H-termination, DLC and Au), and also subjected to I–V analysis. The resultant point-contact characteristics were found to range from ohmic to non-ohmic (the latter due to either direct or Fowler–Nordheim tunnelling). The various combinations were tested with respect to oxidative yield and tip durability. It was found that the presence of a tunnelling barrier at the point of contact is essential for enhancing yield. Tip durability, on the other hand, is promoted by the barrier being located in the surface thus localizing thermal deposition in the surface rather than in the tip.

Item ID: 18213
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0947-8396
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2011 07:10
FoR Codes: 02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029904 Synchrotrons; Accelerators; Instruments and Techniques @ 30%
02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 40%
09 ENGINEERING > 0912 Materials Engineering > 091202 Composite and Hybrid Materials @ 30%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 60%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970109 Expanding Knowledge in Engineering @ 40%
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