Formation of a Photoluminescent Surface on n‐Si by Irradiation Without an Externally Applied Potential

A porous, luminescent surface is produced on n-Si by irradiation in anhydrous or aqueous hydrogen fluoride without an externally applied potential. The photoluminescence spectra of the resulting surfaces are similar to those obtained by the anodization method. A porous surface is only produced when electrical contact is made between the n-Si disk and a metal surface such as Au or Hg, and, in the aqueous system, when dissolved O 2 is present