Self-organized nanostructures generated on Au, Ag and Cu surfaces by low-temperature electron irradiation

We describe a new type of self-organized nanostructure for An, Ag and Cu th in foils irradiated with high-energy electrons at around 100 K. The nanostr ucture appears on the electron exit surface and consists of aligned grooves which developed parallel ro the surface, and nanoholes and hillocks which grew parallel to the electron beam. The groove pattern depends on the irrad iation direction, the surface orientation, and the kind of metal. After abo ut 1000 s of irradiation, penetration of the foil by grooves and holes occu rs, finally leading to the formation of nanoslits or nanoparticles. These s tructures are probably the smallest ones generated so far on each metal sur face. It is suggested that some irradiation-induced effects are closely rel ated to the generation of nanostructures.