Structural Studies, Surface Properties, and Photoluminescence Behaviour of Silicon Nanocrystals

Abstract

ABSTRACTA method for synthesizing crystalline and/or amorphous silicon nanoparticles (3 – 30 nm diameter) is discussed. The photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of these particles is studied as crystallinity, size, surface stoichiometry, and excitation frequency are varied. Orange-red photoluminescence (PL), similar to that reported for “porous silicon,” is observed. The wavelength dependence of this PL is not a function of size, but rather particle crystallinity. A separate PL feature, near 430 nm, is reported. No size dependent effects are observed for this feature.