Conclusions In conclusion, we have observed a unique phenomenon of the migration and growth of Ge nanocrystallite clusters within SiO2 layers that is made possible by the presence of Si interstitials during high-temperature thermal annealing in an oxidizing ambient. The Ge nanocrystallites generated by selective oxidation of SiGe appear to be very sensitive to the presence of GSK2118436 molecular weight Si interstitials that are provided either by adjacent Si3N4
layers or by residual Si interstitials left behind after thermal oxidation of the SiGe. The Si interstitials also facilitate the Ostwald ripening of the Ge nanocrystallites. We have proposed a novel cooperative mechanism for this Si interstitial-mediated growth and migration of Ge nanocrystallites under thermal oxidation. We envisage Selleckchem MK-0518 further scientific exploration of this unique phenomenon and the demonstration of new device geometries with Ge QDs buried within various Si-containing layers. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the National Science Council of the Republic of China (NSC-102-2221-E-008-111-MY3) as well as by the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development
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