Simultaneous influence of nanoPSS and photonic crystal on light extraction in AlGaN 304nm UVB LEDs

Abstract

Abstract The external-quantum efficiency (EQE) of AlGaN-based ultraviolet-B light-emitting diodes (UVB LEDs) has achieved a world record value of 9.6% on wafers but suffers from a low light extraction efficiency (LEE) of < 15%, notably lower than that of the LEE of InGaN blue LEDs (> 89%). This study employed the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to explore how micro-patterned c-plane Sapphire substrates (microPSS) or nano-patterned c-plane Sapphire substrates (nanoPSSs) and reflecting photonic crystals (R-PhCs) influence light scattering in flip-chipped AlGaN-based UVB LEDs, with or without an Al-side reflector. First, various microPSS and nanoPSS shapes (Pillar-like and Hole-like) were analysed by the FDTD to optimise the pitch (a), diameter (d), height (h), and diffraction order (m) under Bragg’s condition. The nanoPSS were found most effective for UVB LEDs at an emission peak of 304 nm with cylindrical Hole-like nanoPSS (m = 10, d = 596 nm, a = 746 nm, h = 500 nm, R/a = 0.38), (R is the radius of the holes of the nanoPSS or PhC) improving LEE enhancement to the maximum possible value of approximately 18%. Next, an Al-side reflector was introduced to evaluate the combined impact of optimised nanoPSS and R-PhC (Hole-like) on theoretical light extraction. Parameters (m = 3; h = 150 nm; R/a = 0.40) applied in p-GaN or p-AlGaN contact layers boosted light extraction to approximately 148% or 150% (with an Al-side reflector) and approximately 120% (without an Al-side reflector), marking significant theoretical and experimental advancements in AlGaN UVB LED efficiency.