Dewetting Properties of Ag-Ni Alloy Thin Films

In this study, pulsed laser induced dewetting of both patterned and continuous Nickel (Ni)-Silver(Ag) thin films was investigated extensively as a novel way to perform directed assembly of nano-particles. First, continuous Ni-Ag thin film dewetting was studied on both bulk and TEM (Transmission electron microscope) membrane substrates at a variety of compositions to better understand the dewetting dynamics of the Ni-Ag system. Then, patterned Ni-Ag thin film dewetting was studied on both bulk and TEM membrane substrates to understand how different patterns and thin film configurations effect nano-particle distribution and formation. All of this work was done in anticipation of the reception of a laser TEM attachment which will allow for in-situ pulsed laser induced dewetting experiments. Our results show that directed assembly of nano-particles is possible by using pulsed laser induced dewetting and that a variety of nano-particle formations and structures can be achieved through this method.