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University of Leicester researchers discover new fluorescent silicon nanoparticles
nanoparticles, fluorescence, silicon
Suspension of nanoparticles in a quarz-glass cell exposed to ultra violet light. The nanoparticles emit deep-blue fluorescence. Credit: Dr Klaus von Haeften, University of Leicester
Researchers at the Department of Physics and Astronomy have developed a new synthesis method that led to the discovery of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles. Klaus von Haeften explained: "The new method could find application in the production of electronic chips and may revolutionise the performance of computers while satisfying the increasing demand for higher integration densities in the circuits." He added: "The method is extremely versatile. The nanoparticles are suspended in water and show stable fluorescence over three months. They may ultimately help track the uptake of drugs by the body's cells."
The work was published in Applied Physics Letters 94, 261102 (2009), In situ passivation and blue luminescence of luminescence of silicon clusters using a cluster beam/H2O codeposition production method
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