Directed Assembly of Bimetallic Nanoparticles by Pulsed-Laser-Induced Dewetting: A Unique Time and Length Scale Regime

Pulsed-laser-induced dewetting (PLiD) was used to assemble patterned, nanoscale metallic thin film features into bimetallic 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 interdiffusion 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.