Structural and thermal properties of a Bi nano-plane embedded in amorphous germanium

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 79; no. 4-6; pp. 1299 - 1302
• Main Authors: HARO-PONIATOWSKI, E, SERNA, R, SUAREZ-GARCIA, A, AFONSO, C. N, JOUANNE, M, MORHANGE, J. F
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.09.2004; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Bismuth; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Melts; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanostructure; Other topics in nanoscale materials and structures; Physics; Pulsed laser deposition; Thermal properties; Raman spectra; Melting; Phase transformations; Pulsed laser deposition; Amorphous state; Heat treatments; Solidification; Nanoparticles; Thermal properties; Synthesis; Nanocomposites; Recrystallization; Bismuth; Germanium; Hysteresis
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-004-2755-2

The synthesis by pulsed laser deposition of a bismuth nano-plane embedded in an amorphous germanium matrix is reported. The structural changes were studied by Raman spectroscopy as a function of temperature. Upon heating, the Bi nano-plane melts and, as the sample is cooled, it re-crystallizes at a temperature well below the melting point. The results show a broad melting--solidification hysteresis cycle (170 K) that is compared to the ones obtained earlier on nanoparticles. Furthermore, a metal-induced crystallization effect was also observed in the germanium matrix.