ZnO filled opal arrays: Photo and cathodoluminescence studies

The photo and cathodoluminescence of zinc oxide (ZnO) filled opal arrays, as well as ZnO nanocrystals prepared by a chemical deposition method were investigated. The photoluminescence (PL) from the arrays was studied using angular resolution. The PL spectra of the filled opal exhibited a dip corresponding to the array's photonic band gap. ZnO nanocrystals embedded in the opal matrix demonstrated quenched excitonic emission while the opal matrix showed enhanced emission. This effect is explained by an energy transfer from ZnO nanocrystals to the opal matrix.