Optical Properties of Quantum Cones Formation in Semiconductors by Laser Radiation

Quantum cones on the surface of elementary semiconductors Si and Ge single crystals, and on a surface of Si1-xGex (x=0.3 and x=0.4) and Cd1-xZnxTe (x=0.1) solid solutions were formed by fundamental frequency and second harmonic of Nd:YAG laser radiation. Strong change of the optical properties of the semiconductors after irradiation by Nd:YAG laser are explained by the presence of Quantum Confinement Effect (QCE) in quantum cones. “Blue shift” of photoluminescence spectra and “red shift” of phonon LO line in Raman spectrum are explained by exciton and phonon QCE in quantum cones, correspondently. Asymmetry of the photoluminescence band in the spectrum of Si quantum cones is explained by 1D graded band gap structure. Experimental data on quantum cones formation on a surface of Si, Ge and their solid solution and CdZnTe crystal and their optical properties are presented. Two-stage mechanism of quantum cones’ formation on a surface of the semiconductors is proposed [1]. The first stage of the mechanism is characterized by the formation of a thin strained top layer, due to redistribution of point defects in temperature-gradient field induced by laser radiation. The second stage is characterized by mechanical plastic deformation of the stained top layer leading to arising of quantum cones due to heating up of the top layer