Enhanced Thermal Sensitivity of Silicon Nanoparticles Embedded in (Nano-Ag/)SiNx for Luminescent Thermometry

Steady-state photoluminescence of silicon nanoparticles embedded in solid-state (nano-Ag/)SiNx thin films at above room temperature is studied and compared to silicon nanoparticles dispersed in low-polar liquids. Roles of local surface plasmons as well as general mechanisms responsible for the temperature-dependent photoluminescence are pointed out. Thermal sensitivities of photoluminescence spectral shape, maximum position, and full width at half-maximum are estimated and application of the (nano-Ag/)SiNx layers as photoluminescent thermal screens is proposed.