Surface deposition of nanometer scale carbon structures on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ using a low-cost scanning electron microscope

In this study, we investigate optically active nanostructures on Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈₊δ (BSCCO). The nanostructures are constructed from carbon nanocrystals formed using the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope to locally decompose residual hydrocarbons at the BSCCO surface. Atomic force microscopy is used to characterize the dimensions of these structures as a function of beam exposure time. This technique has been used to induce localized intercalation to form carbon nanoparticles up to tens of nanometers into a variety of 2D materials. Cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy in BSCCO shows the presence of these carbon deposits on the surface and beneath the first layer, but they do not penetrate further into the bulk. Therefore, this technique is not suitable for localized intercalation in BSCCO, it does have promise as a cost-effective approach to pattern nanometer scale etch stops.