Controlled blueshift of the resonant wavelength in porous silicon microcavities using ion irradiation

High-energy focused proton beam irradiation has been used to controllably blueshift the resonant wavelength of porous silicon microcavities in heavily doped p-type wafers. Irradiation results in an increased resistivity, hence a locally reduced rate of anodization. Irradiated regions are consequently thinner and of a higher refractive index than unirradiated regions, and the microcavity blueshift arises from a net reduction in the optical thickness of each porous layer. Using this process wafers are patterned on a micrometer lateral scale with microcavities tuned to different resonant wavelengths, giving rise to high-resolution full-color reflection images over the full visible spectrum. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.