Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Si nanocrystals produced by ultrasonic fracturing of porous silicon (PSi) were used to fabricate electroluminescent (EL) devices. The active EL material consists of Si nanocrystals embedded in various host matrices such as polyvinylcarbazole (PVK), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and silica sol-gels. Several device configurations were used to induce EL processes that rely on radiative electron-hole recombination via carrier injection or impact excitation of the nanocrystals. We report on the optical and electrical properties of these devices. We discuss relevant physics pertaining to the Si nanocrystals/host and discuss advantages and disadvantages among the different host matrices.