GENERATION OF LONG-RANGING METALLIC NANOSTRUCTURES BY DECORATION OF STEPS ON DIELECTRIC SUBSTRATES

Parallel, long-ranging steps on the (111) surface of CaF2 crystals hav e been decorated by deposition of gold from a thermal atomic beam. Und er suitable conditions, particularly at low flux of the beam, the meta l atoms self-assemble along the steps in such a way that ''nano-wires' ' are formed. The generated objects have been analyzed by atomic force microscopy and extend over distances of up to 3 mu m. Their width is about 60 nm. Possibilities for further miniaturization are discussed.