Bromley, Stefan ThomasFlikkema, Edwin2019-05-312019-05-312005-10-280031-9007https://hdl.handle.net/2445/134282Extensive large-scale global optimizations refined by ab initio calculations are used to propose ( SiO 2 ) N N = 14 - 27 ground states. For N < 23 clusters are columnar and show N − odd - N − even stability, energetically and electronically. At N = 23 a columnar-to-disk structural transition occurs reminiscent of that observed for Si N . These transitions differ in nature but have the same basis, linking the nanostructural behavior of an element (Si) and its oxide ( SiO 2 ). Considering the impact of devices based on the nanoscale manipulation of Si / SiO 2 the result is of potential technological importance.4 p.application/pdfeng(c) American Physical Society, 2005NanoestructuresNanotecnologiaNanostructuresNanotechnologyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article6032202019-05-31info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess