Relocating LEDs from silicon to copper enhances efficiency

Chinese researchers have succeeded in transferring gallium nitride (GaN) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on a layer of silicon to a layer of copper.

The new copper substrate enabled the GaN crystals to release some of the internal stresses generated when they originally formed. This relaxation helped minimize the so-called "quantum confined stark effect," a vexing problem for LEDs that reduces their efficiency. In comparison with LEDs on silicon substrates, the light output of LEDs on copper was enhanced by 122 percent. The relocation of the LEDs produced no obvious deterioration in the crystals' light-emitting region, known as multiple .

The researchers attributed the improvements in efficiency to the removal of the absorptive substrate; the insertion of a metal reflector between the LEDs' structure and the copper submount; the elimination of electrode shading, which also reduces efficiency; and the rough surface of the exposed buffer layer, which improves crystal orientation on the substrate. The results are reported in a paper accepted for publication in the American Institute of Physics' journal .

More information: "Crack-free InGaN multiple quantum wells light-emitting diodes structures transferred from Si (111) substrate onto electroplating copper submount with embedded electrodes" Applied Physics Letters.

Journal information: Applied Physics Letters

Citation: Relocating LEDs from silicon to copper enhances efficiency (2012, June 14) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2012-06-relocating-silicon-copper-efficiency.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Samsung researchers announce breakthrough in growing gallium nitride LEDs on glass

0 shares

Feedback to editors