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Let there be light - Lancaster Research in Nature Nanotechnology
Story supplied by LU Press Office
The light emitted by silicon nanocrystals comes mostly from defects within the nanocrystals, according to a paper published online this week in Nature Nanotechnology.
Silicon dominates the electronics industry, but other semiconductor materials with better optical properties are preferred for applications in photonics. Until now the way in which silicon emits light has been a bit of a mystery, frustrating efforts to exploit it in optical applications.
Manus Hayne of Lancaster University's Department of Physics, and co-workers investigated whether the light emitted by tiny crystals of silicon embedded in silicon dioxide came from defects or was due to quantum effects confining particles inside the nanocrystals.
By measuring the emission of light when their silicon samples were placed in a strong magnetic field, they were able to show that the light emission was dominated by defects.
The team then exposed the silicon to hydrogen, which made the defects inactive, and the nature of the light changed to reflect the fact that quantum-confinement effects were responsible for the emission.
Subsequently, when the silicon was exposed to ultraviolet light to remove the hydrogen, the defects reappeared and dominated the light emission again. As photons replace electrons in various devices, a better understanding of the optical properties of silicon could allow it to compete with other materials.
Mon 17 March 2008
Associated Links
- Dr Manus Hayne - Lecturer and Research Councils UK Academic Fellow in Experimental Nanoscience
Latest News
Geography student sets up film company
It is well known that Geography graduates are highly employable and use their degrees in many different ways. One of the more unusual we have heard about recently is Lancaster geographer Greg Tomaszewicz who has set up his own Video Production Company - Lanor Productions.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Fri 22 February 2013
Eco-innovation businesses invited to attend pioneering project launch
Ambitious North West SMEs keen to drive forward eco-innovative ideas and products are invited to a major event in Manchester on March 4.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Thu 21 February 2013
First Science and Technology Business Partnerships and Enterprise Annual Report 2011-2012 available to download now
2011-2012 saw the development of a new theme-based strategy for Business Partnerships and Enterprise in Science and Technology. The seven interdisciplinary themes are: Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Environment, Health and Human Development, Information and Communication Technologies, Quantum Technology and Security. Each theme has dedicated professional staff to work with businesses and source the expertise they need.
Tue 19 February 2013
Lancaster University Coffeemat Challenge won by Science and Technology student Seb
The concept of a new university website, complete with mobile application, to capture the campus social scene at a glance, earned an enterprising student an iPad.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Tue 19 February 2013