Enhancing Carrier Injection Using Graded Superlattice Electron Blocking Layer for UVB Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract

We have studied enhanced carrier injection by having an electron blocking layer ( EBL ) based on a graded superlattice ( SL ) design. Here, we examine, using a self-consistent 6 $\times$ 6 k $\cdot$ p method, the energy band alignment diagrams under equilibrium and forward bias conditions while also considering carrier distribution and recombination rates ( Shockley–Read–Hall, Auger , and radiative recombination rates). The graded SL is based on $\hbox{Al}_{x}\hbox{Ga}_{1-x}\hbox{N}$ (larger bandgap) $\hbox{Al}_{0.5}\hbox{Ga}_{0.5}\hbox{N}$ (smaller bandgap) SL , where $x$ is changed from 0.8 to 0.56 in steps of 0.06. Graded SL was found to be effective in reducing electron leakage and enhancing hole injection into the active region. Due to our band engineering scheme for EBL , four orders-of-magnitude enhancement were observed in the direct recombination rate, as compared with the conventional bulk EBL consisting of $\hbox{Al}_{0.8}\hbox{Ga}_{0.2}\hbox{N}$ . An increase in the spatial overlap of carrier wavefunction was obtained due to polarization-induced band bending in the active region. An efficient single quantum-well ultraviolet-B light-emitting diode was designed, which emits at 280 nm. This is the effective wavelength for water disinfection application, among others.