Evolution of Metal and Metal-Organic Nanolayers on Silicon Surface

The goal of this book is to understand the growth, structure and stability of nanolayer on semiconductor surface by studying the nanolayer/substrate interfacial structure and its dynamics. In particular, to extend our understanding about the interface that control the growth and stability of metal (Gold, Silver and Copper) nanolayers and metal-organic (Nickel- and Cadmium arachidate) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films on chemically modified Silicon (Si) surface, especially using novel experimental and analysis techniques, which have never thought of. We are interested to know how wet chemical passivation (e.g. H- and Br-passivation) of the underlying Si can control the out-of-plane diffusion i.e. interdiffusion for diffusive interfaces like Au/Si and Cu/Si, the in-plane diffusion i.e. wetting/dewetting for abrupt interfaces like Ag/Si or even manipulate the structure of the LB film through the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions. Understanding the structural evolution, the role of interface and the deeper insight into the processes behind those, are important to take full advantage of the materials and improve device reliability. This book is based on the Ph. D. thesis of Dr. J. K. Bal.