학술논문

Strongly enhanced light trapping in a two-dimensional silicon nanowire random fractal array
Document Type
article
Source
Light: Science & Applications, Vol 5, Iss 4, Pp e16062-e16062 (2016)
Subject
light trapping
multiple scattering
Raman enhancement
random fractal
silicon nanowires
Applied optics. Photonics
TA1501-1820
Optics. Light
QC350-467
Language
English
ISSN
2047-7538
Abstract
Abstract We report on the unconventional optical properties exhibited by a two-dimensional array of thin Si nanowires arranged in a random fractal geometry and fabricated using an inexpensive, fast and maskless process compatible with Si technology. The structure allows for a high light-trapping efficiency across the entire visible range, attaining total reflectance values as low as 0.1% when the wavelength in the medium matches the length scale of maximum heterogeneity in the system. We show that the random fractal structure of our nanowire array is responsible for a strong in-plane multiple scattering, which is related to the material refractive index fluctuations and leads to a greatly enhanced Raman scattering and a bright photoluminescence. These strong emissions are correlated on all length scales according to the refractive index fluctuations. The relevance and the perspectives of the reported results are discussed as promising for Si-based photovoltaic and photonic applications.