Dynamic behavior of Au cluster on the surface of silicon nanoparticles

The high-temperature behavior of Au clusters on a Si nanoparticle surface has been studied using the atomic-resolution high-temperature stage of a transmission electron microscope. Au atoms diffuse into the Si nanoparticle at 680°C and return to the surface at room temperature. The movement of diffused Au atoms on the Si surface steps and the movement of Guinier–Preston-zone-like contrast observed for the segregation of Au atoms on the (111) Si plane, have been directly observed. These phenomena, which can be detected only at high temperatures, are presented in this paper.