Blue luminescence in films containing Ge and GeO2 nanocrystals: The role of defects

X-ray measurements show that GeO2 and Ge nanocrystals with a radius from 25 down to 1.5 nm are formed in an oxide matrix after annealing. Under ultraviolet excitation, both types of films luminesce around 3.1 eV, with identical photoluminescence (PL) line shapes and subnanosecond PL dynamics. The strongest PL intensity was found for the films containing GeO2 crystals and for the largest nanocrystals. These results are a clear indication that although the blue luminescence is without a doubt correlated with the formation of Ge (or GeO2) nanocrystals, it is not produced by the radiative recombination of excitons confined in the nanocrystals. Possible mechanisms for the luminescence include defects at the nanocrystal/matrix interface or in the matrix itself.

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