Preparation and characterization of low-dimensional nanostructures

Low-dimensional nanostructures usable under ambient conditions may provide a way to fulfil increasing demands for ultra-high density storage media, fo r novel electronic and optoelectronic devices and for miniaturized mechanic al structures. In this paper, we present four different methods for produci ng low-dimensional structures prepared under ambient conditions. Firstly, w e show how to produce flat-topped evenly-spaced gold particles on glass. Se condly, we discuss the production and filling of nanopores in mica. Thirdly , we show how to create atom-size electronic nanostructures on the ternary telluride TaNi2Te2 and, lastly, we demonstrate the production of nanometer- size holes on the blue bronze Rb0.3MoO3. All of these nano-scale structures are characterized with either STM (scanning tunneling microscopy) or SFM ( scanning force microscopy). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.