Effects of Carrier Leakage on Photoluminescence Properties of GaN-based Light-emitting Diodes at Room Temperature

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were analyzed to study the effects of carrier leakage on the luminescence properties at room temperature. The electrical leakage and PL properties were compared for LEDs showing leakages at forward bias and an LED with an intentional leakage path formed by connecting a parallel resistance of various values. The leakages at the forward bias, which could be observed from the current-voltage characteristics, resulted in an increase in the excitation laser power density for the maximum PL efficiency (ratio of PL intensity to excitation power) as well as a reduction in the PL intensity. The effect of carrier leakages on PL properties was similar to the change in PL properties owing to a reduction of the photovoltage by a reverse current since the direction of the carrier movement under photoexcitation is identical to that of the reverse current. Valid relations between PL properties and electrical properties were observed as the PL properties deteriorated with an increase in the carrier leakage. The results imply that the PL properties of LED chips can be an indicator of the electrical properties of LEDs.