Visible electroluminescence of porous silicon devices with a solid state contact

The photoluminescence and electroluminescence of light emitting porous silicon (LEPOS) is described. The porous silicon is made by anodic dissolution of silicon in HF with an applied electrical current and illumination with visible light. Photoluminescence is observed using ultraviolet light, visible electroluminescence is achieved by applying a voltage to a solid state contact on top of the porous layer. The luminescence, the structure and the composition of the LEPOS are studied.