Vibrational modes of GaAs hexagonal nanopillar arrays studied with ultrashort optical pulses

Abstract

We investigate the vibrational modes of a triangular array of anisotropic, hexagonal GaAs nanopillars on a GaAs substrate through ultrafast changes in optical reflectivity. By comparison with simulations, we identify GHz resonances, mode shapes, and damping. In addition, by varying the pillar diameter, height, and pitch, we distinguish collective and localized modes. A proper understanding of substrate-attached nanostructure dynamics will lead to better characterization of nanosensors based on perturbations to vibrational resonances.