Enhanced emission efficiency of green InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells by surface plasmon of Au nanoparticles

We report on the effect of surface plasmon on the light emission efficiency of green InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs). Internal quantum efficiency of green MQW with Au nanoparticles is increased by 6.9 times, compared to that of green MQW without Au nanoparticles. Transmission spectrum of Au nanoparticles shows that the absorption peak at 2.3 eV is due to the excitation of dipole plasmon modes in Au nanoparticles and this absorption energy is nearly matched to the photoluminescence emission energy of green MQW. These results show that the increase in internal quantum efficiency of green MQW with Au nanoparticles can be attributed to the coupling between surface plasmon of Au nanoparticles and exciton of green MQW.

► Effect of surface plasmons on light emission efficiency of MQW is investigated.
► Optical properties of InGaN green MQW with Au nanoparticles are improved.
► Internal quantum efficiency of InGaN MQW with SPs is increased by 6.9 times.
► This enhancement can be attributed to the coupling between SPs and exciton of MQW.