My research has been dedicated to unlocking the potential of silicon (Si) at the nanoscale to develop efficient light-emitting materials, a critical step toward integrating optics directly into silicon-based electronics. A central theme throughout my work has been the investigation of quantum confinement effects in both ultrathin silicon nanowires and silicon nanocrystals. These tiny structures behave differently from bulk silicon, enabling them to emit visible light, a property not typically associated with silicon.
I’ve explored various strategies to enhance this light emission, including nanopatterning of silicon nanowires, which we found significantly boosts their visible photoluminescence. My studies have also delved into the practical aspects of these materials, examining the temperature dependence and aging effects on silicon nanowires photoluminescence to understand their long-term stability and performance. Furthermore, I’ve demonstrated electroluminescence in ultrathin silicon nanowires, notably fabricating these structures using a novel maskless etching technique, which simplifies the manufacturing process. This comprehensive body of work highlights my contributions to understanding and controlling light emission from silicon at the nanoscale, paving the way for silicon-based light sources in future photonic devices.
These projects have been funded partly by University of Catania and performed during my M.Sc. Program and my PhD course, and by Boston University under a program supported by AFOSR – Air Force Office of Scientific Research Program.
