Luminescence of silicon and quartz crystals at mechanical destruction

Abstract

Abstract Spectra and time dependencies of fractoluminescence (FL) signals of silicon (Si) and quartz (SiO2) crystals are obtained when diamond crystals are scratched on their surfaces. Signals are generated when barriers preventing dislocation movement along sliding planes are broken. Simultaneously, the Si and SiO2 crystals break down into nanocrystals (nc). The band 1.62 eV and 2.14 eV corresponds in FL spectra of Si and SiO2 nc accordingly. After the crystals are broken, powders are formed. The size of Si and SiO2 nc in powders was determined by photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy.