Effects of V-pits covering layer position on the optoelectronic performance of InGaN green LEDs

Abstract The impact of the V-pits covering layer (VCL) position on the optoelectronic performance of InGaN-based green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated. It is found that earlier covering of V-pits will hinder the hole injection via the sidewall of V-pits, and then result in less quantum wells (QWs) participating in radioluminescence. The current-voltage characteristics show that the LEDs with earlier covering of V-pits have higher operating voltage at room temperature, and a more dramatic voltage rise with the reduction of temperature. Meanwhile, more manifested emission peaks for sidewall QWs and deeper QWs near to n-type layer was observed in the sample with earlier coveing of V-pits at cryogenic temperatures, for the reason that the holes being injected via V-pits sidewall have higher kinetic energy and could transport to deeper QWs.