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The Structure of Porous Silicon Revealed by Electron Microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

A. G. Cullis
Affiliation:
DRA Electronics Division, RSRE, St Andrews Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 3PS, UK
L. T. Canham
Affiliation:
DRA Electronics Division, RSRE, St Andrews Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 3PS, UK
O. D. Dosser
Affiliation:
DRA Electronics Division, RSRE, St Andrews Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 3PS, UK
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Abstract

This detailed electron microscope study of porous silicon compares the different structures of macro-, meso- and microporous material. Mesoporous silicon of high porosity (∼-80%) exhibits efficient red photoluminescence at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy provides strong direct evidence that this visible luminescence arises from dramatic carrier confinement in quantum-size, crystalline silicon structures. Images of undulating, interconnected ‘quantum wires’ of widths <3nm are shown.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1992

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References

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