Modification of energy transfer from Si nanocrystals to Er3+ near a Au thin film -: art. no. 235412

The effects of a Au thin layer on the rate of energy transfer from Si nanocrystals (Si-nc's) to Er3+ were studied. The energy transfer rate was found to oscillate with increasing the separation between the active layer and the Au thin film. The period of the oscillation agreed well with that of the calculated radiative decay rates of Si-nc's at the energy transfer wavelength. The present results provide evidence that the rate of energy transfer from Si-nc's to Er3+ is proportional to the photonic mode density at the energy transfer wavelength and can be controlled by controlling the photonic environment.