Self-organization of Ge nanopattern under erosion with heavy Bi monomer and cluster ions

The self-organisation of periodic pattern on (0 0 1) Ge by bombardment with different heavy ion species (Bi+, Bi++, Bi-2(+), Bi-3(+), Bi-3(++)) obtained from a liquid metal ion source in a mass separating 30 kV FIB system was studied. Aspect ratios exceeding values reported so far for elemental semiconductors substantially were found after cluster irradiation. An excellent regular self-ordering of dots (40 nm in height, interdistance of similar to 50 nm) and ripple pattern were achieved. Despite of high ion fluence, Raman measurements prove a crystalline surface layer. This result deviates drastically from monomer irradiation, where similar to former ion irradiation of Ge a spongy amorphous surface layer is formed. For the transition from the usual behaviour to the unexpected pronounced pattern formation a threshold of the energy density deposited by the collision cascade was identified: If the deposited energy density exceeds the melting threshold, dot or ripple pattern appear. In our model we assume that the ion-impact-induced deposition of energy per volume (estimated by SRIM) must exceed the energy needed for melting. Thus, Bi segregation during resolidification of the melted pool and the 5% volume difference between molten and solid Ge can cause the observed Bi separation and Ge patterning, respectively. A consistent, qualitative model will be discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.