Optical gain in porous silicon

Abstract

Realization of a silicon-based laser, integrated with optical and electronic components on a single chip, remains one of the main challenges in optoelectronic technology. Achievement of optical amplification in silicon nanocrystals is a complex problem depending onmany factors; however, it is theoretically possible. The chapter discusses the potential of luminescent porous silicon for lasing and lists observations of positive optical gain in various types of silicon nanocrystals. Several different approaches lead to observation of small positive optical gain in porous silicon-based samples; however, a real injection silicon-based laser has not yet been demonstrated.