Influence of catalyst drop properties on GaAs nanowhisker growth

Abstract

GaAs nanowhisker growth according to vapor-liquid-solid mechanism was analyzed using Monte Carlo model. Nanowhisker growth on GaAs(111)B surface activated by golden drops was realized. In the model system some experimentally observed effects were found: change of catalyst drop shape and decrease of NW diameter during growth, Au atom migration from the drop to GaAs surface, Au dissolution in growing whisker.