Directed Assembly of Bi–Metallic Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Induced Dewetting: a Unique Nanoscale Time and Length Scale Regime

Abstract

Pulsed laser induced dewetting (PLiD) was used to assemble patterned, nanoscale metallic thin film features into bi–metallic nanoparticles. The liquid-phase flow is related to a conventional droplet impact test and in appropriate dimensions have inertial and viscoinertial flow characteristics. The final size, morphology, composition, and inter-diffusion of the nanoparticles is governed by the interplay of capillary, inertial and viscous forces and an appropriate dimensional regime defined by competing Rayleigh-Plateau and spinodal instabilities.