Infrared photoluminescence from GeSi nanocrystals embedded in a germanium–silicate matrix

We investigate the structural and optical properties of GeO/SiO 2 multilayers obtained by evaporation of GeO 2 and SiO 2 powders under ultrahigh vacuum conditions on Si(001) substrates. Both Raman and infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements indicate the formation of GeSi nanocrystals after postgrowth annealing at 800°C. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy characterizations show that the average size of the nanocrystals is about 5 nm. For samples containing GeSi nanocrystals, photoluminescence is observed at 14 K in the spectral range 1500–1600 nm. The temperature dependence of the photoluminescence is studied.