Real-Time Observation of Nanosecond Liquid-Phase Assembly of Nickel Nanoparticles via Pulsed-Laser Heating

摘要

Using pump−probe electron microscopy techniques,nthe dewetting of thin nickel films exposed to a pulsednnanosecond laser was monitored at tens of nanometers spatialnand nanosecond time scales to provide insight into the liquidphasenassembly dynamics. Thickness-dependent and correlatedntime and length scales indicate that a spinodal instability drivesnthe assembly process. Measured lifetimes of the liquid metalnare consistent with finite-difference simulations of the laserirradiatednfilm and are consistent with estimated and observednspinodal time scales. These results can be used to designnimproved synthesis and assembly routes toward achievingnadvanced functional nanomaterials and devices.