Tuning Multi-Wavelength Reflection Properties of Porous Silicon Bragg Reflectors Using Silver-Nanoparticle-Assisted Electrochemical Etching
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study proposes an innovative silver-nanoparticle-assisted electrochemical etching method for the fabrication of porous silicon Bragg reflectors with multi-wavelength reflection characteristics. By introducing silver nanoparticles at varying concentrations (0.1–10 mg/mL) into the conventional HF–ethanol electrolyte and applying periodically modulated current densities (40/100 mA/cm2), the transition from single-peak to multi-peak reflection spectra was successfully achieved. The results demonstrate that at a concentration of 10 mg/mL silver nanoparticles, up to four distinct reflection bands can be obtained. A systematic investigation was conducted on the influence of etching cycles (4–20 cycles) and silver nanoparticle concentration on the optical performance and microstructure. SEM analysis revealed well-defined periodic multilayer structures, while XPS analysis confirmed the presence of metallic silver on the porous silicon surface. This work provides a simple, controllable, and cost-effective approach to the development of multifunctional photonic devices, with promising applications in laser optics, solar cells, chemical sensing, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Source: Micromachines
DOI: 10.3390/mi16111198
Authors: Sheng-Yang Huang, Hsiao-Han Hsu, Amal Muhammed Musthafa, I-An Lin, Chia-Man Chou, Vincent K. S. Hsiao
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W4415447284