Towards versatile photonics based on GaP nanowires decorated with carbon dots

Carbon dots (CDs) exhibit great potential as nanostructures in photonics due to their simple fabrication process, adaptable and effective emission. We used hydrothermal synthesis to fabricate CDs and decorated vertical gallium phosphide (GaP) nanowire array. Through feasible drop-casting deposition technique, we successfully observed efficient luminescence across the nanowires surface using confocal microscopy. Numerical calculations combined with experimental data revealed amplified luminescence through the resonant optical modes of the nanowire, acting as a waveguide. As a result, this study provides insight into the possibility of development of novel photonic devices by decorating optically dense nanowires with CDs to enhance and control over the emission efficiency and propagation.