Fabrication and optical characterization of multi-encoded rugate porous silicon/polymer composite.

Multi-encoded rugate porous silicon (MRPS)/polystyrene composite films were fabricated by using a free-standing multi-encoded rugate PS and polystyrene. MRPS exhibiting three reflection resonances was generated by an electrochemical etching of silicon wafer using a composite waveform summed three computer-generated pseudo-sinusoidal current waveforms, which were corresponded to the each of the sine components varied from 0.40, 0.38, to 0.36 Hz, with a spacing of 0.02 Hz between each sine component. They displayed three sharp photonic reflection resonances in the optical reflectivity spectrum. MRPS/polymer composite films obtained by casting of polystyrene polymer solution exhibited excellent photonic characteristics and robust structure upon flexing. For a possible application as VOCs sensor, these films were served for the detection of organic vapors such hexane and methanol.

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of gradient distributed Bragg reflector porous silicon layers.

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of gradient distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) porous silicon (PSi) were investigated under the exposure of organic vapors. Gradient DBR PSi whose average pore size decreased as the lateral distance from the Pt electrode increased was generated by using an asymmetric etching configuration. The reflection resonances were measured as a function of lateral distance from a point closest to the plate Pt electrode to a position on the silicon surface. Two types of gradient DBR PSi (H- and HO-terminated gradient DBR PSi) were used in this study. The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using the gradient DBR PSi had been achieved. When the vapor of VOCs condensed in the nanopores, the gradient DBR PSi modified with hydrophobic and hydrophilic functionality exhibited different pore adsorption and desorption characteristics.

Synthesis and optical characterization of silicon nanoparticles.

Various reaction conditions, such as quantity of reducing agent and reaction time were investigated with the aim of finding a simple, optimized synthetic route for the synthesis of luminescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). Si NPs were synthesized from the reaction of ethylenediammonium chloride and magnesium silicide via a low temperature solution route. Optical characterizations of silicon nanoparticles were achieved by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. As the reaction time longer, silicon nanoparticles grew and their emission wavelength shifted to the longer wavelength. The monotonic shift of the photoluminescence as a function of excitation wavelength resulted in the excitation of different sizes of nanocrystals that had different optical transition energies.

Chemical sensor based on porous silicon dual transducers.

Novel porous Si exhibiting dual optical properties, both Fabry-Perot fringe (optical reflectivity) and photoluminescence, were developed and used as chemical sensors. Porous Si samples were prepared by an electrochemical etch of p-type silicon under the illumination with a 300 W tungsten filament bulb for the duration of etch. The surface of porous Si was characterized by FT-IR instrument. The porosity of samples was about 80%. Both reflectivity and photoluminescence were simultaneously measured under the exposure of organic vapors. The shift of Fabry-Perot fringe to the longer wavelength under the exposure of chloroform vapors was obtained. The steady-state photoluminescence spectra and quenching photoluminescence under the exposure of various organic vapors were obtained. A set of organic compounds were analyzed by both quenching photoluminescence and change of optical thickness.