Systems and methods for nanowire growth and harvesting

A method for producing nanowires, comprising:

• depositing one or more nucleating particles on a substrate material;
• heating the nucleating particles to a first temperature at which a first precursor gas has a eutectic phase with the nucleating particles;
• contacting the nucleating particles with a first precursor gas mixture comprising the first precursor gas to initiatie nanowire growth, wherein the first precursor gas mixture comprises at least one atomic species that aids in orienting the nanowires;
• contacting the nucleating particles with a second precursor gas mixture comprising a second precursor gas that has a eutectic phase with the nucleating particles at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature;
• and
• heating the nucleating particles to the second temperature.

A method for harvesting nanowires, comprising:

• (a) providing a substrate material having one or more nanowires attached to a top surface;
• (b) providing a transfer substrate oriented above the top surface of the substrate;
• (c) applying pressure to the transfer substrate by contacting a top surface of the transfer substrate with a probe, such that the transfer substrate is brought in contact with the one or more nanowires;
• (d) transferring one or more of the nanowires from the substrate to the transfer substrate;
• and
• (e) removing the transfer substrate.

A method for harvesting nanowires, comprising:

• a) providing a substrate material having one or more nanowires attached to a top surface;
• (b) providing a transfer substrate oriented above the top surface of the substrate;
• (c) applying substantially uniform pressure to the transfer substrate by forming a vacuum between the transfer substrate and the substrate, such that the transfer substrate is brought in contact with one or more nanowires;
• (d) transferring one or more of the nanowires from the substrate to the transfer substrates;
• and
• (e) removing the transfer substrate.