All images are 3-dimensional Si composite nanostructures, taken with a scanning electron microscope, by Ghim Wei Ho. Images color modified using the color balance function in Adobe Photoshop. Courtesy of and © Copyright Ghim Wei Ho and Prof Mark Welland.

"My Ph.D. project in the Nanoscience Centre involves the fabrication and characterisation of novel nanostructures. The nano-flowers image is an example of a number of different morphologies that have been produced using chemical vapor deposition. In addition to 'flowers' I can also grow nanowires, cones, rings etc. Apart from their beauty as three-dimensional structures, detailed characterisation reveals a complex mixture of amorphous and crystalline material which not only determines the ultimate structure but also provides a unique material with potential applications for both electronic and photonic devices. For the remainder of my PhD, I will be focussing on the potential device aspects of these extraordinary structures."