Nanometer-sized Silicon Particles Prepared by Laser Vaporization and Their Photoluminescence

Nanometer-sized silicon particles were prepared by laser vaporization of a silicon target in pure argon ambient at a reduced pressure. The shape and size of the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The as prepared nanometer silicon particles exhibit visible luminescence under light excitation and the activated light emissions are found to show a strong dependence on temperature.