Core-Shell Germanium/Germanium-Tin Nanowires Exhibiting Room-Temperature Direct- and Indirect-Gap Photoluminescence.

Meng, Andrew C; Fenrich, Colleen S; Braun, Michael R; McVittie, James P; Marshall, Ann F; Harris, James S; McIntyre, Paul C · Nano Lett · 2016

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Germanium-tin alloy nanowires hold promise as silicon-compatible optoelectronic elements with the potential to achieve a direct band gap transition required for efficient light emission. In contrast to Ge<sub>1-x</sub>Sn<sub>x</sub> epitaxial thin films, free-standing nanowires deposited on misfitting germanium or silicon substrates can avoid compressive, elastic strains that inhibit formation of a direct gap. We demonstrate strong room temperature photoluminescence, consistent with band edge emission from both Ge core nanowires, elastically strained in tension, and the almost unstrained Ge<sub>1-x</sub>Sn<sub>x</sub> shells grown around them. Low-temperature chemical vapor deposition of these core-shell structures was achieved using standard precursors, resulting in Sn incorporation that significantly exceeds the bulk solubility limit in germanium.