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Optical attenuation coefficient in individual ZnO nanowires.
Anree Little1, Abigail Hoffman, Nancy M Haegel
1Department of Physics, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California 93943, USA.
Optics Express
|March 14, 2013
Summary
Researchers measured light loss in zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires using advanced microscopy. They found that smaller diameter nanowires exhibit greater light scattering, impacting waveguiding efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires are promising for optoelectronic applications.
- Understanding light propagation in nanowires is crucial for device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the attenuation coefficient of bandedge luminescence in individual ZnO nanowires.
- To investigate the relationship between nanowire diameter and light propagation losses.
Main Methods:
- Combined scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for localized excitation with near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM).
- Recorded distribution and intensity of wave-guided emission from individual ZnO nanostructures.
Main Results:
- Attenuation coefficient measurements were performed on ZnO nanowires with triangular cross-sections (680-2300 nm diameter).
- An inverse dependence of the effective attenuation coefficient on nanowire diameter (d(-1)) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Scattering losses due to non-ideal waveguiding behavior increase with decreasing nanowire diameter.
- Results highlight the importance of nanowire dimensions for efficient light transport.
