Growth and Visible Photoluminescence Properties from Gold Silicide Nanoparticles

Gold silicide nanoparticles were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering method at room temperature (RT) and subsequent annealing treatment at 300°C for 30 min in-situ in the UHV chamber. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to analyze the surface morphology and microcosmic structures of samples. SEM images revealed that nanoparticles with sizes of between 10 and 20 nm have been formed after annealing. According to the analyses of High Resolution Transmission Electronic Microscope (HRTEM) results, we found that different microstructures of gold silicide like Au₅Si₂ and Au₇Si were formed on the surface of samples after annealing. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of gold silicide nanoparticles were measured at room temperature. . Visible PL spectra located at 580, 628 and 701 nm are assigned to luminescence center, defects centers and non-bridging oxygen. Radiative recombination process also has been contributed to the PL for gold silicide nanoparticles.