Light-Emitting Materials

February 2, 2014July 1, 2025

My Research in Light-Emitting Materials for Microphotonics

My research has delved into the exciting field of light-emitting materials, with a particular focus on developing innovative solutions for silicon (Si)-based microphotonics and near-infrared light-emitting devices. A central theme in my work has been the incorporation of rare-earth elements, especially Erbium (Er), into various semiconductor host materials to achieve desired optical properties.

Specifically, I have explored the potential of Erbium-doped Si-rich Zinc Oxide (ZnO) for creating multiband near-infrared light emitters, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for integrated optical devices. My investigations have also thoroughly examined Erbium-based materials for silicon microphotonics, addressing the critical need for efficient light sources that can be integrated directly onto silicon chips. A significant part of this work involved understanding the role of silicon excess on the excitation mechanisms of Erbium in silicon oxide (SiOx), providing crucial insights into how these materials interact at the atomic level to produce light. Furthermore, I have characterized the luminescence properties of Erbium implanted silicon nanoclusters, demonstrating their potential for highly localized light emission. This body of research collectively contributes to advancing the fundamental understanding and practical application of rare-earth doped semiconductors, paving the way for next-generation photonic integrated circuits and high-performance near-infrared devices.

These projects have been funded partly by University of Catania and performed during my PhD course, and by Boston University under a program supported by AFOSR – Air Force Office of Scientific Research Program.

Peer-reviewed publications

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January 16, 2014July 1, 2025

My Research in Nanowire Growth and Manipulation

My research has extensively explored the fascinating world of silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) nanowires, focusing on their fundamental growth mechanisms, structural control, and even their mechanical manipulation at the nanoscale. A significant portion of my work has centered on using electron beam evaporation as a precise method for growing these nanowires, allowing us to delve into the kinetics of their growth and achieve heteroepitaxial growth of Ge nanowires directly on Si substrates, including understanding their unique faceting behaviors. I’ve also focused on gaining control over the growth mechanisms and orientation of epitaxial Si nanowires, which is crucial for their integration into future technologies.

Beyond growth, my investigations have unveiled the remarkable properties of these tiny structures under external influences. My work has demonstrated and analyzed nanoscale amorphization, bending, and subsequent recrystallization in silicon nanowires, showing how they react to stress at the atomic level. Furthermore, I’ve specifically studied ion beam-induced bending of silicon nanowires, offering insights into directed manipulation techniques. We’ve also examined the subtle yet critical influence of oxygen contamination and the properties of gold (Au) catalyst clusters on the resulting structural features of Si nanowires, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that govern their final form. This body of research collectively contributes to a deeper understanding of nanowire science, paving the way for their application in areas like advanced electronics, sensors, and energy devices.

These projects have been funded partly by University of Catania and CSFNSM (Growth and characterization of Si and Ge nanowires), and performed during my PhD course.

Peer-reviewed publications

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Book / Book chapter

Growth, properties and processing of group IV semiconductor nanowires
E. F. Pecora
VDM Verlag Dr. Muller (August 4, 2011), ISBN: 978-3639375763

March 1, 2011July 1, 2025

PostDoc at Boston University

Read my blog posts on my research in deep ultraviolet light technology, my research in light-emitting materials for microphotonics, my research in silicon nanostructures for light emission, and my research in nanophotonic-plasmonic and light-matter interaction.

Research projects

Nanoscale optical Emitters for High Density Information Processing using Photonic-Plasmonic Coupling in Coaxial Nanopillars, funded by AFOSR – Air Force Office of Scientific Research Program (September 2012 – August 2013)

Deterministic Aperiodic Structures for On-chip Nanophotonic and Nanoplasmonic Device Applications, funded by AFOSR – Air Force Office of Scientific Research Program (April 2012 – August 2012)

Sub-250 nm electron-beam-pumped semiconductor laser, funded by DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency CMUVT Program under subcontract from Photon Systems Inc. (March 2011 – March 2012)

Peer-reviewed publications

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Conferences

Integration of metallic nanostructures on nanowires for modification of their optical properties
A. Casadei, E. Alarcon-Llado, E. F. Pecora, J. Trevino, C. Forestiere, D. Ruffer, E. Russo-Averchi, F. Matteini, G. Tutuncuoglu, M. Heiss, L. Dal Negro, A. Fontcuberta i Morral
Frontiers in Nanophotonics, CSF Conference 2015

Second harmonic excitation spectroscopy in studies of Fano-type coupling in plasmonic arrays
G. F. Walsh, J. Tervino, E. F. Pecora, L. Dal Negro
SPIE Optics + Photonics 2015

Engineering light coupling in single nanowire with metal nano-antennas
A. Casadei, J. Trevino, E. F. Pecora, E. Alarcò- Lladò, D. Ruffer, E. Russo-Averchi, G. Tutuncuoglu, F. Matteini, C. Forestiere, L. Dal Negro, A. Fontcuberta i Morral
International Conference on One dimensional Nanomaterials ICON 2013

Second-harmonic generation from plasmonic nanoantennas and arrays
A. Capretti, C. Forestiere, E. F. Pecora, G. Walsh, J. Trevino, S. Minissale, L. Dal Negro, G. Miano
The International Conference on Surface Plasmon Photonics SPP6

Sub-250nm room temperature optical gain from AlGaN materials with strong compositional fluctuations
E. F. Pecora, W. Zhang, H. Sun, A. Yu. Nikiforov, J. Yin, R. Paiella, T. D. Moustakas, L. Dal Negro
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 58, V1.00111

Second-harmonic generation in substoichiometric silicon nitride layers
E. F. Pecora, A. Capretti, G. Miano, L. Dal Negro
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 58, V1.00119

Rare-earth doped Si-rich ZnO for multiband near-infrared light emitting devices
E. F. Pecora, T. I. Murphy, L. Dal Negro
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 58, C23.00004

Nanopatterning of optically-active silicon nanowires
E. F. Pecora, N. Lawrence, P. Gregg, J. Trevino, P. Artoni, A. Irrera, F. Priolo, L. Dal Negro
Frontiers in Optics (FiO) – Novel Silicon Waveguides and Nanophotonics (FM4E)

Sub-250nm room temperature optical gain from AlGaN/AlN multiple quantum wells structures
E. F. Pecora, W. Zhang, L. Zhou, D. J. Smith, J. Yin, R. Paiella, L. Dal Negro, T. D. Moustakas
CLEO: Science and Innovations, CTh3D, CTh3D.5

Sub-250nm room-temperature optical gain from AlGaN/AlN multiple quantum dot structures
E. F. Pecora, W. Zhang, L. Zhou, D. J. Smith, J. Yin, R. Paiella, L. Dal Negro, T. D. Moustakas
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 57

Room temperature low threshold stimulated emission of electron beam-pumped AlGaN-based deep UV laser structures emitting below 250 nm
A. Nikiforov, W. Zhang, J. Woodward, J. Yin, E. Pecora, L. Zhou, L. Dal Negro, R. Paiella, D. Smith, T. Moustakas, A. Moldawer
Bulletin of the American Physical Society, vol. 57

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November 1, 2006July 1, 2025

PhD in Physics

Read my blog post on my research in nanowire growth and manipulation and on my research in silicon nanostructures for light emission.

Thesis

Ph.D. in Physics, summa cum laude

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Peer-reviewed publications

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Book / Book chapter

Growth, properties and processing of group IV semiconductor nanowires
E. F. Pecora
VDM Verlag Dr. Muller (August 4, 2011), ISBN: 978-3639375763

Conferences

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November 1, 2001July 1, 2025

University of Catania (Undergrad studies)

Read my blog post on my research on light-emitting materials for microphotonics.

Theses

Laurea Specialistica (M.Sc. equivalent) in Physics, summa cum laude

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Laurea (B.Sc. equivalent) in Physics, summa cum laude

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Peer-reviewed publications

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Conferences

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