Quantum dots: Small 5/2010

The cover picture illustrates regularly arrayed quantum-sized pores and surface nanostructures prepared using an innovative approach of surface patterning. This new approach is based on a well-controlled pore-opening process and a modulated anodization process of ultrathin alumina membranes (UTAMs). Using UTAMs with quantum-sized pores for surface-patterning processes, ordered arrays of quantum dots are synthesized on silicon substrates. This is the first time in realizing large-scale regularly arrayed surface structures in the quantum size range using the UTAM technique, which is an important breakthrough in the field of surface nanopatterning. The large-scale quantum-dot arrays are promising candidate structures for new types of optoelectronic and display devices on the basis of the quantum-confinement effect. For more information, please read the Full Paper “Ultrathin Alumina Membranes for Surface Nanopatterning in Fabricating Quantum-Sized Nanodots” by Y. Lei et al., beginning on page 695.