Blue Photoluminescence from Quantum Size Silicon Nanopowder

Silicon nanopowders were produced using electron-beam-induced evaporation of bulk silicon ingots in various gas atmosphere. Optical properties of the nanopowders were studied with the use of photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Photoluminescence peaks in the visible region of the spectrum have been detected at room temperature in silicon nanopowders, produced in argon gas atmosphere. Strong short-wavelength shift of the photoluminescence peaks can be result of quantum confinement effect for electrons and holes in small silicon nanocrystals (down to 2 nm in diameter). The size of silicon nanocrystals was estimated from Raman spectroscopy data. The calculated in frame of effective mass model optical gaps for silicon nanocrystals of spherical shape are in good correlation with experimental photoluminescence data. The attempts of deposition of silicon nanocrystal films from the nanopowders on silicon substrates were carried out.