A review of growth and characterization of ZnO nanostructures for various optical applications

The ZnO nanostructures can be implemented in optoelectronic applications, piezoelectric pressure sensors, Spintronic devices, transducers and biomedical applications [1-8]. Use of these nanostructures, will also allow building of nanoscale nanosensors, nanocantilevers, field-effect transistors and nanoresonators for a variety of military, homeland security and, commercial applications. In this paper we review growth and characterization of ZnO nanowires on a variety of substrates. Experimental results on the ZnO nanowires grown on GaN and SiC are presented with growth morphology, structure analysis, and dimensionality control. We also discuss Raman and micro-Raman spectroscopy for characterization of ZnO nanostructures.