Selective area growth of ZnO crystals by electric current heating

A novel selective area growth method for ZnO crystals was developed by a combination of catalyst arrangement using nanoindentation and electric current heating. The crystal growth of ZnO nanowhiskers was initiated from the catalyst. The nanowhiskers varied in size from a diameter of 70 to 300 nm and a length of 1 to 20 μm. Among the nanowhiskers obtained, a novel zigzag nanowhisker appeared. The one-dimensionality of the nanowhiskers may be effective in realizing ideal miniaturized light sources for use in integrated optoelectronic circuits.