Universal method for creating optically active nanostructures on layered materials.

The ability to form patterned surface nanostructures has revolutionized the miniaturization of electronics and led to the discovery of emergent behaviors unseen in macroscopic systems. However, the creation of such nanostructures typically requires multiple processing steps, a high level of technical expertise, and highly sophisticated equipment. In this work, we have discovered a simple method to create nanostructures with control size and positioning in a single processing step using a standard scanning electron microscope.

Enhanced detection of nanostructures by scanning electron microscopy using insulating materials.

We report a simple method by which 1D conducting structures with sub-micron diameters can be detected in a scanning electron microscope at magnifications more than an order of magnitude less than would be expected for their size. This enhanced detection was possible under normal operating conditions using a standard secondary electron detector. The technique requires only that the 1D samples must be in good physical contact with an insulating material.

Synthesis of freestanding HfO2 nanostructures.

Two new methods for synthesizing nanostructured HfO2 have been developed. The first method entails exposing HfTe2 powders to air. This simple process resulted in the formation of nanometer scale crystallites of HfO2.