Self-Organized Ni Nanocrystal Embedded in BaTiO₃ Epitaxial Film

Abstract

Abstract Ni nanocrystals (NCs) were embedded in BaTiO3 epitaxial films using the laser molecular beam epitaxy. The processes involving the self-organization of Ni NCs and the epitaxial growth of BaTiO3 were discussed. With the in situ monitoring of reflection high-energy electron diffraction, the nanocomposite films were engineered controllably by the fine alternation of the self-organization of Ni NCs and the epitaxial growth of BaTiO3. The transmission electron microscopy and the X-ray diffraction characterization confirmed that the composite film consists of the Ni NCs layers alternating with the (001)/(100)-oriented epitaxial BaTiO3 separation layers.

Keywords

• Laser molecular beam epitaxy
• Nanocomposite film
• Reflection high-energy electron diffraction
• Self-organization
• Epitaxial growth