Quantum wells and electrical contacts at polar oxide surfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
Diamond Light Source
Department Name: Science Division
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Stuart Cavill (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | Ultrathin Co films deposited at room temperature on the polar ZnO(0001) surfaces were investigated in situ using a combination of STM, LEED and XPS. The clean polar zinc terminated ZnO(0001) surface is heavily reconstructed with triangular add and vacancy islands. As-deposited films form a high density of metallic Co nanoparticles on the surface. Annealing the films in ultrahigh vacuum leads to the formation of a homogenous and smooth surface which is confirmed to be a mixed oxide by XPS. The change in surface roughness of the Co/ZnO(0001) films changes as a function of initial Co thickness. The removal of the triangular add and vacancy island reconstruction induced by the clean surface polarisation is surprising and we are working on models whereby cobalt-zinc mixed oxides can stabilise the surface termination. |
| Exploitation Route | Publication in preparation but hampered by the fact that the PhD student has left academia and there is little current resource to work on this project. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics |