Supersaturation state effect in diffusion induced Ge nanowires growth at high temperatures

We report on supersaturation state effect in diffusion-induced vapor-liquid-solid growth of Ge nanowires at high temperature. Our experimental investigation establishes that at T≥550°C the growth is hindered while the growth limitation is not resulted from a high value of the desorption rate. We demonstrate that the suppressed growth is a result of the droplets large chemical potential that inhibit the supersaturation state. This results either in a strong growth limitation due to a significant droplets enlargement or to a growth cessation.