Magic clusters on group IV surfaces

Abstract

This work is directed at understanding the evolution of magic clusters in terms of its origin, formation, interactions and dynamic behavior on Group IV surfaces. With the current drive towards device miniaturization in the microelectronics industry, the ability to form and utilize clusters with a specific number of atoms and sizes (i.e. ¿magic¿ clusters) as building blocks to fabricate low dimensional structures for device applications is becoming increasingly important. However, one needs to be able to control the size, mono-dispersity and ordering of clusters, as these are known to influence the electronic properties of the nano-structured devices. With Si, SiC and Co dominating as important materials in the microelectronics industry, hence in this work, we will focus on co-relating the properties of Si and Co-Si magic clusters to their respective sizes, distribution and ordering on Gp-IV surfaces (i.e. Si and SiC).