Silicon quantum dots in photonic microstructures

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Optical microcavities are tiny physical structures that can confine radiation in the form of visible light. Several surprising quantum effects occur when photons of light are strongly confined in space, and these phenomena can be used to tailor the emission and propagation of radiation with incredible sensitivity. Microcavities show great potential for the development of ultra-small lasers, high-quality optical filters and switches, micromechanical oscillators, biological and chemical sensors, and quantum computational devices. At the same time, there is a major international effort toward the development of silicon nanostructures for photonic applications. Light-emitting silicon quantum dots (QDs) in particular are being explored in a variety of applications, ranging from photovoltaics to low-toxicity biological markers, lighting and displays, and optical information and communications technologies. The development of a silicon QD laser could have a profound impact in many of these areas. One of the most promising avenues toward achieving these applications is to couple the light from silicon QDs into high quality optical microcavities, thereby utilizing the cavity resonances to enhance and control the Si-QD luminescence. In this work, we will use our new synthesis methods to demonstrate QD-cavity coupling, ultimately aiming toward the development of silicon-based biosensors and light emitting devices.