Core/shell architecture made from Mie-resonant silicon nanoparticle: Design, fabrication, and photonic applications

A silicon nanoparticle with a diameter of 100–300 nm possesses electric- and magnetic-type Mie resonances in the visible to near-infrared ranges and is recognized as a novel nanoplatform that can be used for light propagation control, light–matter interaction enhancement, structural coloration, bio-imaging and -sensing, etc. The functions of a silicon nanoparticle can be greatly extended by decorating the surface with various passive and active materials. In this mini-review, we introduce a recent development of a core/shell architecture made from Mie resonant silicon nanoparticles. We start from the state-of-the-art of the production of high-quality silicon nanoparticles. We then introduce fabrication processes of the core/shell architectures for a variety of shell materials that modify the properties of silicon nanoparticles and introduce new functions. The shell materials include passive low-refractive index materials, materials of tunable optical properties, fluorescence dyes, transition metal dichalcogenides, and noble metals with surface plasmon resonances. Finally, we will discuss our perspective for the development of future silicon-based core/shell architectures.