They derived a relationship between the observed fluorescence intensity and the distance of the fluorophore from a reflective silicon surface.

A hydrogen-terminated silicon surface has another excellent property: it can be flattened at the atomic level by etching.

The device to be analyzed is de-encapsulated in order to expose the silicon surface.

As the laser reaches the silicon surface, a certain amount of that light is reflected back.

The oxide on the silicon surface acts as a diffusion barrier.

Since then, the Institute has carried out experiments with quantum reflection of cold excited neon atoms from silicon surfaces.

Piranha solution in particular constitutes quite a harsh treatment that can potentially damage the integrity of the silicon surface.

However, the silicon surface was significantly damaged after 30 cycles of treatment with piranha solution or plasma.

The focus in research is put on hydrophilic silicon surfaces.

The silicon surface is porous enough to hold oil, and is an excellent bearing surface.