Enhanced light extraction from GaN-based LEDs with a bottom-up assembled photonic crystal

Photonic crystal (PhC) structure is an efficient tool for light extraction from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The fabrication of a large area PhC structure on the light output surface of LEDs often involves sophisticated equipments such as nanoimprint lithography machine. In this study a monolayer of polystyrene (PS) microspheres was employed as a template to fabricate a noninvasive photonic crystal of indium tin oxide (ITO) on the surface of GaN-based LED. PS spheres can help to form periodic arrangement of bowl-like holes, a photonic crystal with gradually changed fill factors. Importantly, the electroluminescence intensity of LED with a photonic crystal was significantly enhanced by 1.5 times compared to that of the conventional one under various forward injection currents.

► Polystyrene (PS) microspheres were employed as a template.
► A noninvasive photonic crystal was fabricated on the surface of GaN-based LED.
► Periodic arrangement of bowl-like holes served as a photonic crystal with gradually changed fill factors.
► The electroluminescence intensity of LED with a photonic crystal was significantly enhanced.