Improved Efficiency Droop in a GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diode with an AlInN Electron-Blocking Layer

GaN-based light-emitting devices (LEDs) with different electron blocking layers are theoretically studied and compared by using the advanced physical models of a semiconductor device simulation program. It is found that the structure with an AlInN electron blocking layer shows improved light output power, lower current leakage and efficiency droop. Based on numerical simulation and analysis, these improvements of the electrical and optical characteristics are mainly accounted for by efficient electron blocking. It can be concluded that Auger recombination is responsible for the dominant origin of the efficiency droop of a GaN-based LED as current increases.