Visible luminescent Si nanocrystals: optical characterization and application

Following the recent study on optical characterization and applications of porous silicon, this report provides a review of our research and development of visible luminescent Si nanocrystals with goal to extend functions of Si based materials. We present laser methods for obtaining porous silicon layers and silicon nanocrystalline composite films. Time resolve photoluminescence and optical properties are discussed. The report provides the results of films microstructure control by optical method. We present several examples of multilayers structures applications: lateral coordinate sensitive photovoltaic devices, new irreversible storage media for pulse recording, diffraction gratings, and cold cathode electron emitters.