Observation of a magic discrete family of ultrabright Si nanoparticles

G. Belomoin*, J. Therrien, A. Smith, S. Rao, R. Twesten, S. Chaieb, M. H. Nayfeh, L. Wagner, L. Mitas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

321 Scopus citations

Abstract

We demonstrate that electrochemically etched, hydrogen capped Si nHx clusters with n larger than 20 are obtained within a family of discrete sizes. These sizes are 1.0 (Si29), 1.67 (Si 123), 2.15, 2.9, and 3.7 nm in diameter. We characterize the particles via direct electron imaging, excitation and emission optical spectroscopy, and colloidal crystallization. The band gaps and emission bands are measured. The smallest four are ultrabright blue, green, yellow and red luminescent particles. The availability of discrete sizes and distinct emission in the red, green and blue (RGB) range is useful for biomedical tagging, RGB displays, and flash memories.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)841-843
Number of pages3
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume80
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 4 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

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