Structural and optical properties of periodically ordered ZnO nanowires

Periodically ordered ZnO nanowire arrays were fabricated by a combination of soft templates created by electron beam lithography and an electrochemical process. Individual ZnO nanowires were precisely placed in desired locations to form two-dimensional periodic structures with specific patterns. Scanning electron microscopy and light diffraction measurements confirmed the long-range ordered structures in the nanowire arrays. Variable temperature photoluminescence revealed both band edge and defect emissions. The obtained photonic structures may have potential applications in optical and optoelectronic devices.