Publication

Effects of quantum-well indium content on deep defects and reliability of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes with under layer

Abstract

We investigate the density of defects and the degradation rate in InGaN light-emitting diodes having identical dislocation density and epitaxial structure, but different indium content in the quantum well (QW; 12%, 16%, 20%). Our results, based on combined steady-state photocapacitance, light-capacitance voltage, and degradation measurements indicate that: (a) the density of defects in the superlattice underlayer is identical for the three wafers, indicating good and reproducible growth conditions; (b) the density of defects within the active region of the devices shows a monotonic dependence on the indium content in the QWs. These results, consistent with previous studies on the topic, prove unequivocally the important role of indium in favoring the incorporation of point defects, further clarifying the possible mechanisms of defect formation, and give a quantitative assessment of the related effect; (c) in step-stress experiments, the degradation rate was found to be much stronger for devices having high indium content in the QW. This result can be explained by considering a decrease in injection efficiency due to the generation or transport of defects, or an increment in defect-assisted Auger recombination terms due to the propagation of defects.

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Related concepts (32)
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor. White light is obtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting phosphor on the semiconductor device.
Frenkel defect
In crystallography, a Frenkel defect is a type of point defect in crystalline solids, named after its discoverer Yakov Frenkel. The defect forms when an atom or smaller ion (usually cation) leaves its place in the lattice, creating a vacancy and becomes an interstitial by lodging in a nearby location. In elemental systems, they are primarily generated during particle irradiation, as their formation enthalpy is typically much higher than for other point defects, such as vacancies, and thus their equilibrium concentration according to the Boltzmann distribution is below the detection limit.
Crystallographic defect
A crystallographic defect is an interruption of the regular patterns of arrangement of atoms or molecules in crystalline solids. The positions and orientations of particles, which are repeating at fixed distances determined by the unit cell parameters in crystals, exhibit a periodic crystal structure, but this is usually imperfect. Several types of defects are often characterized: point defects, line defects, planar defects, bulk defects. Topological homotopy establishes a mathematical method of characterization.
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