MBE growth of ZnSe nanowires on oxidized silicon substrate

We report the growth of single crystalline ZnSe nanowires on oxidized Si(100) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy using Au nano-particles as the catalysts. It was found that average length decreased while the average diameter increased as we increased the temperature from 230 to 320 ^°C. It was also found that crystal quality of the ZnSe nanowires prepared at 320 ^°C was poorer than the ZnSe nanowires prepared at 230 ^°C and 280 ^°C.     

Mechanism of the growth of ZnSe nanowires with Fe catalysts

ZnSe nanowires of high optical quality have been grown with Fe catalysts at the usual temperatures for the fabrication of ZnSe-base optoelectronic devices (about 600 K). It is found that only Fe nanoparticles of 10-50 nm diameter act as catalysts in the narrow temperature range around 600 K (with a minimum temperature of 473-523 K, and a maximum temperature of 623-673 K). The growth mechanism is discussed in terms of the vapour-liquid-solid mechanism.     

The photoluminescence properties of TiO2-sheathed ZnSe nanowires

ZnSe nanowires have been synthesized by thermal evaporation of ZnSe powders on gold-coated Al₂O₃(0 0 0 1) substrates and then sheathed with TiO₂ by sputtering. Our results show that sheathing Zn nanowires with thin TiO₂ layers can significantly enhance the photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity. XPS analysis results suggest that the PL enhancement is attributed to increases in the concentrations of deep levels such as oxygen and titanium interstitials as well as the density of interface states. The PL emission of ZnSe nanowires is also enhanced by thermal annealing. Annealing in an argon atmosphere is more efficient in enhancing the PL emission than annealing in an oxygen atmosphere.     

The Ag+ induced solution–liquid–solid growth, photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity of twinned ZnSe nanowires

Cubic ZnSe nanowires with periodically alternating twins along the wire growth direction are synthesized in the ZnCl₂–Na₂SeO₃–AgNO₃–ethylenediamine (EN)-ethylene glycol (EG)-polyvinyl–pyrrolidone (PVP) solvothermal system at 180°C for 12 h. The twinned ZnSe nanowires have diameters of 75±10 nm and lengths of >10 micrometers, and grow along 〈111〉 direction. The role of AgNO₃ in the formation of ZnSe nanowires was investigated, and an Ag⁺ induced solution–liquid–solid growth mechanism is also proposed to account for the conversion of microspheres assembled from ZnSe nanocrystallites into ZnSe nanowires. Compared with ZnSe microspheres, the as-prepared twinned ZnSe nanowires exhibit stronger band edge emissions of the wurtzite- and zinc-blende-structured ZnSe and lower deep defect related emission, and their photocatalytic ability is weaker than that of ZnSe microspheres. The results suggest that this simple, mild, one-step solution approach to fabricate ZnSe nanowires may be employed for the synthesis of other selenium compounds with one dimensional nanostructures, and provides opportunities for both fundamental research and technological applications.     

Strong blue emission from ZnSe nanowires grown at low temperature

We report optimized photoluminescence of ZnSe nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy, obtained by lowering the growth temperature down to 300 °C. The low‐temperature growth method has been developed using Si(111) and GaAs(111)B substrates. On the latter, vertical oriented blue‐emitting nanowires have been obtained. The growth mecha‐ nism is discussed with the help of in‐situ and ex‐situ electronic and structural measurements. We also report strong blue luminescence from ZnSe nanowires grown on ITO‐coated glasses, demonstrating that ZnSe nanowires are optimal candidates for transparent optoelectronics. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Localization of nonequilibrium current carriers close to Cr ions in ZnSe:Cr single crystals

The photoluminescence (PL) of Cr-doped ZnSe single crystals is investigated in a temperature interval from 83 up to 297 K and in a wavelengths region from 440 up to 2700 nm. The doping was carried out during a high-temperature annealing of ZnSe crystals in CrSe vapors and in chrome chlorides medium. It is revealed that the doping results in an appearance of both luminescence bands located at 0.54, 0.97, and 2.15 μm and edge luminescence bands located at 454, 457, and 460 nm at 83 K. It is shown that the PL bands located at 457 and 460 nm are caused by the radiative recombination with the participation of holes located on hydrogen-like orbits close to Cr⁺ centers, having a binding energy of 99 meV. The excitons bound with centers responsible for the radiation located at 0.54 μm and having a binding energy of 65-68 meV are considered. The energy of a lattice relaxation at recharge of centers responsible for green radiation is estimated and equals 40-170 meV.     

Fabrication of ZnO nanowires through thermal heating of metallic Zn by solar energy

ZnO nanowires were synthesized in a short time of a few seconds through a simple thermal evaporation of Zn powder using solar energy under air atmosphere. The Zn powder was heated by focusing sunlight on the Zn powder employing a magnifying lens. This strategy heated Zn to its evaporation temperature resulting in its oxidation in air. This procedure formed ZnO nanowires of ∼10 nm diameter and ∼2 μm length. As only Zn powder without any catalysts was used as the source material, it is suggested that the growth of the nanowires occurs through a vapor-solid mechanism. The cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum from such ZnO nanowires showed strong ultraviolet emission indicating their highly crystalline quality besides good optical properties.     

ZnSe sintered films: Growth and characterization

The II-VI compound semiconductor, ZnSe having wide band gap between 2.58 and 2.82 eV is a promising material for use in photovoltaic devices, blue light emitting diodes and laser diodes. Several methods have been used to prepare ZnSe thin films. We have deposited ZnSe films on ultra-clean glass substrate by sintering technique. The optical, structural and electrical properties of ZnSe thin films have been examined. The optical band gap of these films is studied using reflection spectra in wavelength range 325-600 nm and structure of these films is studied using XRD. The DC conductivity of the films was measured in vacuum by two-probe technique.Sintering is a very simple and viable method compared to other intensive methods. The results of the present investigation will be useful in characterizing the material ZnSe for its applications in photovoltaics.     

Non-catalytic growth of high aspect-ratio ZnO nanowires by thermal evaporation

High-density and high aspect-ratio ZnO nanowires were grown on Si(100) substrates by the thermal evaporation of metallic zinc powder without the use of metal catalysts or additives. The as-grown nanowires had diameters in the range of 60-100 nm with lengths 5-15 μm. Detailed structural characterization indicated that the obtained nanowires are single-crystalline with a perfect hexagonal facet and surfaces. The room temperature PL spectrum exhibited strong UV emission, affirming that the as-grown products have good optical properties. The possible growth mechanism for the formation of hexagonal-faceted and perfect surface ZnO nanowires is also discussed.     

基于ZnSe/Ag/ZnSe可见区透明导电薄膜

利用红外光学材料ZnSe和金属Ag在室温下采用电子束蒸发镀膜技术研制了透明导电薄膜ZnSe/Ag/ZnSe,该薄膜的电子浓度为1.208×1020 cm－3,电子迁移率和电阻率分别为17.22 cm2 V－1 s－1和2.867×10－5 Ω·cm,功函数达到5.13 eV,在可见区的平均透过率理论模拟值超过80%,而测量结果为63.8%,测量的最高透过率为83%.结果表明,该透明导电薄膜具有良好的光学和电学性能,可作为透明电极应用于发光二极管等光电子器件中.     

Growth and characterization of ZnSe/CdSe/ZnSe quantum dots fabricated by using an alternate molecular beam supplying method

ZnSe/CdSe/ZnSe structures inserted CdSe thin layer are fabricated using an alternate molecular beam supply (ALS). Examining the PL peak energy dependence on beam irradiation time in ALS cycle, we studied the initial stage of CdSe growth. When CdSe below the critical thickness is supplied on ZnSe grown on GaAs (1 0 0), two kinds of 2D islands (platelets) appear. We confirmed the alloying of 2D-CdSe islands and 3D-CdSe islands (dots) is prominent under Cd beam irradiation in ALS growth.     

Synthesis and PL Properties of ZnSe Nanowires with Zincblende and Wurtzite Structures

Single crystalline ZnSe nanowires with both zincblende and wurtzite structures have been synthesized via a chemical vapour deposition method under different growth conditions. The nanowires are usually 50-80nm in diameter, and several tens of microns in length. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra from zincblende and wurtzite ZnSe nanowires show a broad luminescence band peaked at around 2. 71 e V and a deep level emission band peaked at around 2.00 eV, respectively. Effects of post-growth annealing on the photoluminescence of these nanowires have been investigated. Strong room-temperature band-edge emission could be obtained from the annealed zincblende ZnSe nanowires.     

Synthesis of ZnSe nanodonuts via a surfactant-assisted process

ZnSe nanodonuts with outer diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 μm and the wall thickness in the range of 100–300 nm were synthesized by a simple and convenient surfactant-assisted process. XRD and TEM results show the as-prepared sample is single crystalline zinc blende ZnSe. The formation mechanism of the ZnSe nanodonuts has been discussed. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hydrazine hydrate play key roles in the forming the donut-like shape of ZnSe. This method may be extended to fabrication of donut-like nanostructure of other chalcogenides.     

Field emission from nonaligned SiC nanowires

β-SiC nanowires with an average diameter of 8-20 nm were synthesized using a simple thermal evaporation of SiO powders onto activated carbon fibers. Field emission was investigated based on the SiC nanowires deposited on a platinum film. A low turn-on field of 3.1-3.5 V μm⁻¹ was measured at an anode-sample separation of 100-140 μm. This type of SiC nanowires can be applied as field emitters in displays as well as vacuum electronic devices.     

Incorporation of AsSe centers in ZnSe far from equilibrium

An experimental technique employing nuclear transmutation to probe the effects of arsenic doping in ZnSe is presented. ZnSe epitaxial layers are grown from elemental Zn and elemental Se that contains the ⁷⁵Se isotope. Arsenic dopants are incorporated in ZnSe through the decay of ⁷⁵Se to ⁷⁵As which proceeds via electron capture. The 118.5 day half-life of the decay allows ZnSe epitaxial layers to be deposited prior to significant arsenic formation so that As_Se dopants are incorporated after all crystal growth processes are complete. Also, the temperature at the time of dopant incorporation is under investigator control. Because the decay process produces nuclear recoils that are far too small to displace the arsenic dopants from their substitutional selenium sites, no post-growth thermal annealing is required. This experimental technique permits a limiting case of far-from-equilibrium doping, and the long half-life of ⁷⁵Se results in the gradual incorporation of As_Se so that time-resolved studies can be performed. In the experimental work reported here, As_Se centers are introduced in ZnSe homoepitaxial layers in concentrations greater than 1.5×10¹⁸ cm⁻³. Time-resolved low temperature photoluminescence is employed to observe the effects of As_Se doping of ZnSe.     

p-type characteristics of ZnSe:Li3N grown by a closed Bridgman method

We intend to search a new method to prepare high-quality and large-size p-ZnSe single crystal. In this study, ZnSe:Li₃N single crystal is grown by a vertical Bridgman method using a closed double-crucible. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the as-grown ZnSe:Li₃N crystal at 8 K shows very strong donor–acceptor pair (DAP) and very weak exciton emissions. In order to activate doped Li₃N, ZnSe:Li₃N single crystal is annealed at high temperature in Zn-saturated atmosphere. By selecting suitable annealing conditions, a very strong I₁ emission line related to shallow acceptor is observed. The capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics indicate that the annealed ZnSe:Li₃N single crystal is a p-type conduction. Furthermore, the acceptor concentration and ionization energy are estimated by examining the temperature dependences of the free-to-acceptor (FA) emission, the behaviors of Li and N are investigated, and the new emission at 2.34 eV is discussed.     

X-ray induced conductivity of ZnSe sensors at high temperatures

Measurements of intrinsic conductivity and X-ray induced conductivity were performed on specially undoped ZnSe samples. The measurements demonstrated that sensors made of ZnSe have minor intrinsic conductivity when heating up to the temperature of 180 °C, and significant X-ray induced conductivity. Dose dependence “dose rate - current” is described with simple power function which considerably simplifies calibration of sensors. This results can be used during the designing of high-temperature X-ray and gamma-radiation detectors for radiation hot rolling thickness gauges which are widely used in the metallurgy.     

Passive Q-switching of short-length Tm-doped silica fiber lasers by polycrystalline Cr:ZnSe microchips

We demonstrate passive Q-switching of short-length double-clad Tm³⁺-doped silica fiber lasers near 2 μm pumped by a laser diode array (LDA) at 790 nm. Polycrystalline Cr²⁺:ZnSe microchips with thickness from 0.3 to 1 mm are adopted as the Q-switching elements. Pulse duration of 120 ns, pulse energy over 14 μJ and repetition rate of 53 kHz are obtained from a 5-cm long fiber laser. As high as 530 kHz repetition rate is achieved from a 50-cm long fiber laser at ∼10-W pump power. The performance of the Q-switched fiber lasers as a function of fiber length is also analyzed.     

真空中加热衬底对ZnSe MIS二极管电致发光的影响

本文研究了在制备ZnSe MIS二极管的绝缘层时,为了改善IS间的界面接触,在真空中加热ZnSe衬底,其结果虽然使电致发光的均匀性有所改善,却使原来的蓝色电致发光变为红色。文中着重研究了红色电致发光的起源,在液氮温度下出现的二个峰值为5350Å和6320Å的谱带应分别归结为ZnSe晶体中的铜绿(Cu-G)和铜红(Cu-R)发光中心。文中指出,真空中加热的条件,使ZnSe晶体中残留的Cu杂质从非发光中心状态转变为发光中心状态。因此,要改善ZnSe晶体蓝色电致发光的性能,进一步提高ZnSe晶体的纯度是十分重要的。     

Structural characterization and optical properties of ZnSe thin films

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) thin films (d = 0.11-0.93 μm) were deposited onto glass substrates by the quasi-closed volume technique under vacuum. Their structural characteristics were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The experiments showed that the films are polycrystalline and have a zinc blende (cubic) structure. The film crystallites are preferentially oriented with the (1 1 1) planes parallel to the substrate surface. AFM images showed that the films have a grain like surface morphology. The average roughness, R_a = 3.3-6.4 nm, and the root mean square roughness, R_rms = 5.4-11.9 nm, were calculated and found to depend on the film thickness and post-deposition heat treatment.The spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient was determined from transmission spectra, in the range 300-1400 nm.The values of optical bandgap were calculated from the absorption spectra, E_g = 2.6-2.7 eV.The effect of the deposition conditions and post-deposition heat treatment on the structural and optical characteristics was investigated.