The equilibrium structure of embedded nanocrystals formed from strongly segregating binary- alloys is considered within a simple thermodynamic model. The model identifies two dimensionless interface energies that dictate the structure, and allows prediction of the stable structure for any choice of these parameters. The resulting structure map includes three distinct nanocrystal mor- phologies: core/shell, lobe/lobe, and completely separated spheres.

Ion beam synthesis of nanoclusters is studied via both kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and the self-consistent mean-field solution to a set of coupled rate equations. Both approaches predict the existence of a steady state shape for the cluster size distribution that depends only on a characteristic length determined by the ratio of the effective diffusion coefficient to the ion flux. The average cluster size in the steady state regime is determined by the implanted species/matrix interface energy.