Enhancement of the porous silicon photoluminescence by surface modification using a hydrocarbon layer

Efficient visible photoluminescence (PL) is obtained from a hydrocarbon (CHx) layer coated porous silicon (PS). PL and its dependence upon aging have been investigated. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to study the bonding characteristics at the surface before and after the CHx deposition. The enhancement of the PL properties and its features with aging time are explained by the FTIR spectroscopy studies. In this paper, we present experimental evidence that emphasises the role that surface recombination plays in the luminescence of PS.