Monolithic Silicon Light Sources

Abstract

Monolithic silicon light sources (LEDs and lasers) could have a significant impact when integrated on silicon chips. After a general introduction to light emission in silicon, this chapter discusses the mechanisms of light emission in bulk silicon, silicon quantum dots, silicon alloyed with germanium, and silicon doped with specific impurities such as erbium. Then, the fabrication and performance of LEDs using these materials are discussed. The chapter ends with a discussion of the prospects for a silicon laser.