Strongly enhanced light trapping in a two-dimensional silicon nanowire random fractal array

Light, Science & Applications
Barbara FazioAlessia Irrera

Abstract

We report on the unconventional optical properties exhibited by a two-dimensional array of thin Si nanowires arranged in a random fractal geometry and fabricated using an inexpensive, fast and maskless process compatible with Si technology. The structure allows for a high light-trapping efficiency across the entire visible range, attaining total reflectance values as low as 0.1% when the wavelength in the medium matches the length scale of maximum heterogeneity in the system. We show that the random fractal structure of our nanowire array is responsible for a strong in-plane multiple scattering, which is related to the material refractive index fluctuations and leads to a greatly enhanced Raman scattering and a bright photoluminescence. These strong emissions are correlated on all length scales according to the refractive index fluctuations. The relevance and the perspectives of the reported results are discussed as promising for Si-based photovoltaic and photonic applications.

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Citations

May 10, 2018·Frontiers in Neuroscience·William J WattersonRichard P Taylor
Nov 16, 2019·Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·Stefania Carapezzi, Anna Cavallini
Aug 6, 2020·The Review of Scientific Instruments·Sebastiano Vasi, Giuseppe Lupò
Jul 26, 2018·Nanomaterials·Maria José Lo FaroAlessia Irrera
Aug 1, 2020·Scientific Reports·Maria Josè Lo FaroAlessia Irrera
Nov 22, 2017·Nanomaterials·Francesco FlorisFrancesco Rossella
Dec 22, 2020·Advanced Science·Renheng BoAntonio Tricoli
Apr 27, 2021·Nano Letters·Mohammad RashidiHark H Tan
Aug 8, 2021·Nanomaterials·Dario MorgantiAlessia Irrera
Oct 26, 2018··Sara MagdiJoumana El-Rifai

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
light scattering
scanning electron microscopy
light-scattering

Software Mentioned

ImageJ

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