An all-gas-phase approach for the fabrication of silicon nanocrystal light-emitting devices

We present an all-gas-phase approach for the fabrication of nanocrystal-based light-emitting devices. In a single reactor, silicon nanocrystals are synthesized, surface-functionalized, and deposited onto substrates precoated with a transparent electrode. Devices are completed by evaporation of a top metal electrode. The devices exhibit electroluminescence centered at a wavelength of λ = 836 nm with a peak external quantum efficiency exceeding 0.02%. This all-gas-phase approach permits controlled deposition of dense, functional nanocrystal films suitable for application in electronic devices.