One-dimensional pattern of Au nanodots by ion-beam-sputtering: formation   and mechanism
  Highly ordered one-dimensional arrays of nanodots, or nanobeads, are fabricated by forming nanoripples and nanodots in sequence, entirely by ion-beamsputtering (IBS) of Au(001). This demonstrates the capability of IBS for the fabrication of sophisticated nanostructures via hierarchical self-assembly. The intricate nanobead pattern ideally serves to identify the governing mechanisms for the pattern formation: Non-linear effects, especially local redeposition and surface-confined transport, are essential both for the formation and the preservation of the pattern order. 
J-H Kim, N-B Ha, J-S Kim, M Joe, K-R Lee and R. Cuerno
cond-mat.mes-hall