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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
In Situ TEM Observation of Crystal Structure Transformation in InAs Nanowires on Atomic Scale
Zhi Zhang1, Nishuang Liu1, Luying Li1
1Center for Nanoscale Characterization & Devices (CNCD), School of Physics & Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (WNLO) , Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) , Luoyu Road 1037 , Wuhan 430074 , P. R. China.
Abstract:
In situ transmission electron microscopy investigation of structural transformation in III-V nanowires is essential for providing direct insight into the structural stability of III-V nanowires under elevated temperature. In this study, through in situ heating investigation in a transmission electron microscope, the detailed structural transformation of InAs nanowires from wurtzite structure to zinc-blende structure at the catalyst/nanowire interface is witnessed on the atomic level. Through detailed structural and dynamic analysis, it was found that the nucleation site of each new layer of InAs and catalyst surface energy play a decisive role in the growth of the zinc-blende structure. This study provides new insights into the growth mechanism of zinc-blende-structured III-V nanowires.
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