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, for novel electronic and optoelectronic devices and for miniaturized mechanical structures. In this paper, we present four different methods for producing low-dimensional structures prepared under ambient conditions. Firstly, we show how to produce flat-topped evenly-spaced gold particles on glass. Secondly, 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.. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved