Description:
<jats:p>Zinc oxide nanopillars were grown by a self-catalyzed growth process on an epitaxial Ir/yttria-stabilized zirconia/Si(111) multilayer structure in an optically heated tube furnace. The pillars obtained stand upright parallel to each other with their c-axis perpendicular to the sample surface. Problems due to alloying of Zn with Si are completely avoided, and no irregularities of the pillars in the initial growth phase are found. Cathodoluminescence measurements show narrow linewidths below 700μeV due to the excellent crystal quality. Termination of ZnO pillars with a flat metallic iridium layer is an attractive issue towards an optical cavity for laser action.</jats:p>