Growth of single-crystal columns of CoSi2 embedded in epitaxial Si on Si(111) by molecular beam epitaxy

The codeposition of Si and Co on a heated Si(111) substrate is found to result in epitaxial columns of CoSi2 if the Si:Co ratio is greater than approximately 3:1. These columns are surrounded by a Si matrix which shows bulk-like crystalline quality based on transmission electron microscopy and ion channeling. This phenomenon has been studied as functions of substrate temperature and Si:Co ratio. Samples with columns ranging in average diameter from approximately 25 to 130 nm have been produced.