Theoretical and Computational Analysis of a Wurtzite-AlGaN DUV-LED to Mitigate Quantum-Confined Stark Effect with a Zincblende Comparison Considering Mg- and Be-Doping

Abstract

In this work, an AlGaN-based Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode structure has been designed and simulated for the zincblende and wurtzite approaches, where the polarization effect is included. DFT analysis was performed to determine the band gap direct-to-indirect cross-point limit, AlN carrier mobility, and activation energies for p-type dopants. The multiple quantum wells analysis describes the emission in the deep-ultraviolet range without exceeding the direct-to-indirect bandgap cross-point limit of around 77% of Al content. Moreover, the quantum-confined Stark effect on wavefunctions overlapping has been studied, where Al-graded quantum wells reduce it. Both zincblende and wurtzite have improved electrical and optical characteristics by including a thin AlGaN with low Al content. Mg and Be acceptor activation energies have been calculated at 260 meV and 380 meV for Be and Mg acceptor energy, respectively. The device series resistance has been decreased by using Be instead of Mg as the p-type dopant from 3 kΩ to 0.7 kΩ.

Keywords

• simulation analysis
• ultraviolet light-emitting diode
• AlGaN
• quantum-confined Stark effect
• p-type analysis