Blue photoluminescence from in situ Cu-doped porous silicon

Abstract

We have observed weak blue photoluminescence from in situ Cu-doped porous silicon formed by electrochemical etching with a low etching current density that is aided by cuprous chloride [Cu(I)Cl]. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy reveal that the blue emission is associated with formation of the carbonyl group that is catalyzed by Cu on the surface of the porous silicon.