Low temperature synthesis of Ge nanocrystals in SiO2

A novel and simple technique for the synthesis of Ge nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 is reported. The method is fully compatible with silicon microelectronic technology and relies solely upon low temperature (only 550 °C) ultraviolet oxidation of Si0.8Ge0.2 strained layers. This temperature is significantly lower than that usually used for the formation of Ge nanocrystals from SiGe oxides by H2 reduction.