Role of radiative decay of valence plasmons in transmission spectra of Si, SiNx and PET membranes

Membranes of Si, SiNx and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were investigated via vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) transmission measurements. The transmission spectra show maxima at energies equal to energies of valence plasmons (VPs) which are interpreted as signatures of radiative decay of VPs. Resonant generation and radiative decay mechanism of valence plasmons and their effects on transmission spectra are discussed. Furthermore, the energy of VPs in SiNx was also confirmed by photo electron spectroscopy (PES) measurements on SiNx thin film. The presented results demonstrate the light induced resonant generation and radiative decay of both, valence bulk and valence surface plasmons.