Formation of nanostructures by the activated Stranski-Krastanow transition method.

We propose that self-assembly of complicated nanocrystals can be realized by making patterns on the surface of the Stranski-Krastanow systems with the film thickness in a special range that gradual surface undulation is prohibited but island nucleation can be effected. The method has the potential to control the locations, the size, and the shapes of the self-assembled nanocrystals.