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Growth mechanism and optical properties of Ge nanocrystals embedded in a GeOx matrix

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Abstract

Quantum confined germanium (Ge) nanocrystals were synthesized by a thermal annealing of germanium oxide thin films fabricated by an e-beam evaporation method. The nanocrystal formation, structure, and sizes upon annealing are evaluated by a combination of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy studies. Spherical nanocrystals with sizes of around 3 nm and having both diamond and tetragonal phases are formed for an annealing temperature of 500 °C. The thermally induced transformation and phase separation of amorphous germanium oxide to nanocrystalline Ge is discussed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bandgap agrees with the calculated values using effective mass approximation. The visible photoluminescence is investigated as a function of the annealing temperature. This disproportionation mechanism of germanium oxide films showing favorable optical properties suggests its scope for forming quantum confined Ge nanocrystals embedded in its amorphous matrix relevant for both electronic and optoelectronic applications.

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Acknowledgements

K.V acknowledges Department of Science and Technology, India for the DST-Inspire Faculty Award (DST/INSPIRE/04/2015/002060). We acknowledge CIF, University of Delhi for characterization facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, 605014, India

    Vijayarangamuthu Kalimuthu

  2. CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organization, Chandigarh, 160030, India

    Praveen Kumar

  3. National Physical Laboratory, CSIR, New Delhi, 110012, India

    Mahesh Kumar

  4. Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India

    Shyama Rath

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  1. Vijayarangamuthu Kalimuthu
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Correspondence to Vijayarangamuthu Kalimuthu or Shyama Rath.

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Kalimuthu, V., Kumar, P., Kumar, M. et al. Growth mechanism and optical properties of Ge nanocrystals embedded in a GeOx matrix. Appl. Phys. A 124, 712 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-018-2134-z

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