SIMPLE-MODEL FOR THE DIELECTRIC-CONSTANT OF NANOSCALE SILICON PARTICLE

As the physical size approaches several nanometers, reduction in the s tatic dielectric constant epsilon becomes significant. A modified Penn model, taking into account the quantum confinement induced discrete e nergy states, was applied to a sphere and to a wire, The calculated si ze dependent epsilon is consistent with the wave-vector-dependent epsi lon(q). However, this form of epsilon is more amenable for calculation s of donor and exciton binding energies in a finite quantum confined n anoparticle when a full electrostatic boundary value problem must be t ackled. The results of our model compare favorably with other, far mor e sophisticated, calculations. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.