ALBERT

Description:    The properties of binary eutectic alloy nanostructures embedded within a matrix are discussed. It is demonstrated that GeAu and GeSn nanostructures embedded in SiO 2 form in a bilobed structure as predicted by a simple theory. Upon heating, the nanostructures melt and assume a nominally compositionally homogeneous structure. Slow cooling of the liquid returns the nanostructure to its equilibrium bilobed morphology. Rapid quenching yields a kinetically limited, nearly compositionally homogeneous solid. Rapid thermal annealing can convert this metastable structure again into the bilobed structure. It is, therefore, possible to switch between the bilobed structure and the homogenous structure. The kinetics of the homogeneous composition to bilobe structure transformation depend on composition. Tuning the composition enables one to tune the transformation temperature. Possible technological applications of these nanostructures are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0439-5 Authors D. C. Chrzan, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA S. J. Shin, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA J. Guzman, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA C.-W. Yuan, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA C. Y. Liao, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA P. R. Stone, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA C. N. Boswell-Koller, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA C. A. Sawyer, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA K. C. Bustillo, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA M. P. Sherburne, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA T. Conry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA R. R. Lieten, Department of Physics and Astronomy, K. U. Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium O. D. Dubon, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA A. M. Minor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA M. Watanabe, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA J. W. Beeman, Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA K. M. Yu, Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA J. W. Ager III, Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA E. E. Haller, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838