Thermal Evaporation Synthesis and Optical Properties of ZnS Microbelts on Si and Si/SiO 2 Substrates

In this study, we report on the differences in optical properties of zinc sulfide (ZnS) microbelts grown on Si and Si/SiO 2 substrates by a thermal evaporation method. Our investigation suggests that the composition and luminescence of the microbelts are dependent on the growth substrate. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images show the formation of nanoparticles with a diameter of 300–400 nm on ZnS microbelts grown on Si substrate. In addition, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis combined with x-ray diffraction and Raman measurements reveal the existence of Si on these microbelts which may bond with O to form SiO 2 or amorphous silica. In contrast, no Si presents on the microbelts grown on Si/SiO 2 substrate. Moreover, photoluminescence measurement at 300 K shows a narrow emission peak in the near-ultraviolet region from microbelts grown on Si/SiO 2 substrate but a broad emission band with multi-peaks from microbelts grown on Si substrate. The origin of the luminescence distinction between microbelts is discussed in terms of the differences in the growth substrates and compositions.