IOP Publishing, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 33(44), p. 335103, 2011
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/44/33/335103
Full text: Unavailable
In this work, for the first time, the photoluminescent emission and excitation spectra of non-textured layers and stain-etched porous silicon layers (PSLs) doped with high temperature annealed europium (Eu) are evaluated. The PSLs are evaluated as a host for rare earth ions and as an antireflection coating. The applied doping process, which consists in a simple impregnation method followed by a high-temperature annealing step, is compatible with the standard processes in the fabrication of solar cells. The results show down-shifting processes with a maximum photoluminescent intensity at 615 nm, related to the transition 5D0 → 7F2. Different initial concentrations of Eu(NO3)3 are evaluated to study the influence of the rare earth concentration on the photoluminescent intensity. The chemical composition and the morphology of Eu-doped PSLs are examined by means of x-ray dispersion spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These Eu-doped layers are considered to be applied as energy converters in silicon-based third generation solar cells.