Structures with Ge/Si nanoparticles (quantum dots)
in an alumina matrix are interesting for researchers due to the
combination of two main semiconductors, as well as the use
of a matrix with high dielectric permittivity and strong oxygen
oxygen–metal bonding. Nanoperiodic multilayer structures in
the sequence substrate/Al2O3/Ge/Si/Al2O3 . . .Al2O3 (period —
Al2O3/Ge/Si, the number of periods was up to 20) annealed at
different temperatures were prepared in this work. It was shown
that nanocrystalline particles of both Ge and Si were observed
in the structures after annealing. Nanocrystal sizes and quantity
were determined by the thicknesses of deposited layers and the
annealing temperatures. The results obtained by various optical
techniques indicate a quantum-size effect in the structures, which
is confirmed by high-resolution microscopy.