Nanowires by step decoration

The self-assembly of linear nanostructures such as wires, arrays of stripes and strings of dots is demonstrated. There are a variety of self-assembly methods to choose from. Focus is given on concepts that utilize a steeped surface as a template. Adsorbed atoms or molecules have the tendency to stick to the step edges, where they find extra bonding partners for lateral bonds. Ideally, one must achieve a step-flow growth mode, where stripes grow along the step edges in a row-by-row fashion.