title: Strain distribution in single, suspended germanium nanowires studied using nanofocused x-rays.
abstract: Within the quest for direct band-gap group IV materials, strain engineering in germanium is one promising route. We present a study of the strain distribution in single, suspended germanium nanowires using nanofocused synchrotron radiation. Evaluating the probed Bragg reflection for different illumination positions along the nanowire length results in corresponding strain components as well as the nanowire's tilting and bending. By using these findings we determined the complete strain state with the help of finite element modelling. The resulting information provides us with the possibility of evaluating the validity of the strain investigations following from Raman scattering experiments which are based on the assumption of purely uniaxial strain.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Halbleiter- und Festkörperphysik, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Altenbergerstraße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Keplinger
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grifone
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Greil
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kriegner
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Persson
authors.forename: Alois
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lugstein
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schülli
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stangl