Silicon nanocrystals, average sizes ranging between 3 and 7 nm, were formed in sapphire matrix by ion implantation and subsequent annealing. Evolution of the nanocrystals was detected by Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Raman spectra display that clusters in the matrix start to form nanocrystalline structures at annealing temperatures as low as 800 °C in samples with high dose Si implantation. The onset temperature of crystallization increases with decreasing dose. Raman spectroscopy and XRD reveal gradual transformation of Si clusters into crystalline form. Visible photoluminescence band appears following implantation and its intensity increases with subsequent annealing process. While the center of the peak does not shift, the intensity of the peak decreases with increasing dose. The origin of the observed photoluminescence is discussed in terms of radiation induced defects in the sapphire matrix. © 2006 American Institute of Physics

Alternating germanosilicate-siliconoxide layers of 10-30 nm thickness were grown on Si substrates by plasma enhanced chemically vapor deposition (PECVD). The compositions of the grown films were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The films were annealed at temperatures varying from 670 to 1000 °C for 5 to 45 minutes under nitrogen atmosphere. High resolution cross section TEM images, electron diffraction and electron energy-loss spectroscopy as well as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) data confirm presence of Ge nanocrystals in each layer. The effect of annealing on the Ge nanocrystal formation in multilayers was investigated by Raman spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). As the annealing temperature is raised to 850 °C, single layer of Ge nanocrystals observed at lower annealing temperatures is transformed into a double layer with the smaller sized nanocrystals closer to the substrate SiO 2 interface.

Cataloged from PDF version of article.ormation of Ge nanocrystals in SiNx matrices has been studied using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition in both as deposited samples as well as in post-vacuum annealed samples. Low temperature and short duration anneals in vacuum resulted in Ge nanocrystals whereas prolonged anneals at higher temperatures resulted in Ge nanocrystals accompanied with SiGe formation at the SiNx/Si interface. Raman Scattering Spectroscopy was extensively used to track the formation of various phonon modes during the diffusion of Ge through SiNx and into the Si substrate. (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd