Specific Features of the Atomic Structure of Iron Silicide Nanocrystals in a Silicon Matrix

All transformation stages of the crystal structure of iron silicide nanocrystals (NCs) on an atomically pure Si(111) surface under varying synthesis conditions have been studied in detail using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The main structural and morphological parameters of iron disilicide NCs in a silicon matrix and the epitaxial relationships between the NC and matrix lattices are established. The elastic strain of β-FeSi2 NCs in a silicon matrix is estimated.