Self-assembled nanostructures through wavelength-controlled spinodal decomposition

The self-assembly of nanostructured materials through controlled wavelength spinodal decomposition is explored using a simple model. The model assumes that a homogeneous alloy is deposited on a rigid, periodically strained substrate. A linear stability analysis establishes that the film will undergo spinodal decomposition with the dominant wavelength determined by the periodicity of the substrate strain. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.