Periodically Diameter-Modulated Semiconductor Nanowires for Enhanced Optical Absorption

Abstract

A diameter-modulated silicon nanowire array to enhance the optical absorption across broad spectral range is presented. Periodic shape engineering is achieved using conventional semiconductor processes and the unique optical properties are analyzed. The periodicity in the diameter of the silicon nanowires enables stronger and more closely spaced optical resonances, leading to broadband absorption enhancement.

Keywords: diameter modulation; leaky waveguide modes; optical absorption; silicon nanowires.