Collins, Reuben T.Otnes, Gaute2007-01-032022-02-092014-05-012022-02-092013https://hdl.handle.net/11124/78729Includes bibliographical references (pages 50-60).Includes color illustrations.Silicon quantum dots (QDs) are interesting for many applications due to their size-tunable optical properties, combined with material abundance, nontoxicity and potential compatibility with existing silicon technology. For optimal technological implementation, good size-control of these quantum dots is essential. This thesis presents an investigation into size reduction of crystalline silicon QDs by wet-chemical etching using a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid. The effects of the etch on the photoluminescence (PL) and absorption of the material are studied in-situ, which allows following the same population of dots in real time as they change size, without any material being added or lost. The PL peak wavelength can be blue-shifted over a wide wavelength range (>250 nm), but a lower limit to this blue-shift is observed at about 550 nm.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright of the original work is retained by the author.wet-chemical etchingsilicon quantum dotsphotoluminescencePhotoluminescenceQuantum dotsSolar cellsSiliconText1-year embargo