Narrow Results

Copper (Cu) nanowire arrays embedded in anodic aluminium oxide films (AAO) on aluminium substrate have been synthesized by alternating current electrochemical deposition. Two-step anodization process has been performed to get the through-hole AAO with ordered nanochannels in 0.3M oxalic acids at DC voltages 30, 40, 50 and 60V, respectively. Structural characterization of the Cu nanowires has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (or) X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Our SEM analysis has revealed that the diameters of vertically oriented Cu nanowires are 15, 25, 45 and 60nm and the length of Cu nanowires having high packing density is about 15$\mu$m. XRD measurement has indicated that polycrystalline Cu nanowires prefer growth orientation along the (111) direction. Optical measurements show that reflection of the Cu nanowires/AAO on aluminium reduces with decreasing diameter of the Cu nanowires. This effect can be associated with increased light scattering from metal nanoparticles near their localized plasmon resonance frequency depending on the size and shape of the nanoparticles.

Zinc oxide and germanium multilayer films have been deposited on glass substrate using electron beam evaporation and resistive heating system, respectively, for alternate layers. The structural optical and electrical parameters have been investigated for the deposited films. The layer formation was confirmed by employing Rutherford back-scattering technique. Optical properties exhibit quantum confinement effect by showing the separate band gaps for ZnO and Ge. Electrical conductivity increases due to combined effect of all six layers (six alternate layers of Ge and ZnO).