Patent ID: 6773616
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: C30B,Y10S

Abstract:
A process for using a mask having a first composition to aid in forming nanowires having a second composition, comprising:(a) providing an etchable layer having said second composition and having a buried insulating layer beneath a major surface thereof; (b) epitaxially growing self-assembled nanowires having said first composition on said major surface of said etchable layer, whereby an interfacial plane is formed between said self-assembled nanowires and said etchable layer, wherein said material comprising said self-assembled nanowires is closely-lattice matched to said material comprising said etchable along one major crystallographic axis on said interfacial plane, but has significant lattice mismatch along all other major crystallographic axes on said interfacial plane, said epitaxial growing performed by selecting as said material a composition that is closely-lattice matched to said etchable material along one major crystallographic axis, but has significant lattice mismatch along all other crystallographic axes in said interfacial plane, cleaning a surface of said substrate so that said surface has an atomically flat, regular atomic structure on terraces and has regular steps and so that impurities are removed, and epitaxially growing said self-assembled nanowires on said etchable layer; and (c) anisotropically etching portions of said etchable layer down to said insulating layer, using said self-assembled nanowires as a mask, to form said nanowires of said second composition.