Microworms self-assembled by boron nitride horns for optoelectronic applications

We report the self-assembly of microworms from boron nitride horns by chemical vapor deposition. Through advanced electron microscopy analysis of the intermediate products, the evolution of such microworms has been determined to be governed by a root-based growth mechanism, in which BN horns are initiated by the boron particles, self-intertwisted together to from worm-like structures, and finally formed into microworms. Strong light emissions are observed in such microworms, showing their high potential for applications in lasing, light-emitting diode, and medical diagnosis devices. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.