Performance improvement of AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes via asymmetric step-like AlGaN quantum wells

Characteristics of AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) with light-emitting wavelength around 265 nm via step-like AlGaN quantum wells (QWs) have been investigated. Simulation approach yields a result that, there is significant enhancement of light output power (LOP) for DUV-LEDs with two-layer step-like AlGaN QWs compared to that with conventional one. The location and thickness of AlGaN layer with higher Al-content in the step-like QWs are confirmed to significantly affect the distributions and overlap of electron and hole wavefunctions. The best material characteristic is obtained when the step-like QW is designed as an asymmetric structure, such as Al0.74Ga0.26N (1.8 nm)/Al0.64Ga0.36N (1.2 nm), where AlGaN with higher Al-content layer is set to be located nearer from n-side and be thick as far as possible. The key factors for the performance improvements for this specific design is the enhanced hole transport and mitigated auger recombination.