Strong photoluminescence of the porous silicon with HfO2-filled microcavities.

Greatly enhanced blue emission was observed at room temperature in the single-crystal silicon with HfO₂ filled into its microcavities. The broad blue band light was emitted from both the HfO₂ dielectric and the porous Si. The ferroelectricity of HfO₂ enhances the blue emission from Si by its filling into the microcaivities. At the same time, HfO₂ contributes to the light emission for the transitions of the defect levels for oxygen vacancy. The observation of greatly enhanced blue light emission of the porous Si filled with HfO₂ dielectric is remarkable as both HfO₂ and Si are highly compatible with Si-based electronic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]