Morphology and Optical Properties of Porous Silicon Filled with Luminescent Oxide Dielectric Nanoparticles

The morphology, structure, IR absorption and photoluminescence properties (PL) of composite materials “PSi - BiPO4:Pr” prepared based on chemically etched silicon plates covered with doped with praseodymium ions bismuth phosphate, BiPO4, have been studied. A comparative analysis of the data obtained for the samples of the initial silicon and PSi, to covered ones with the luminescent oxide particles has been performed. The FTIR and PL data clearly show changes in the spectral characteristics of the composites in comparison to their initial components. The relationship between spectral characteristics of PL, IR absorption and conditions of the samples preparation and treatment have been discussed considering the interactions between the components of the PSi nanocomposites. Composite systems “PSi - BiPO4:Pr” are shown to be perspective as luminescent sensors of humidity, hydrogen and oxygen presence in gases media.