Zinc selenide-based LED shows long life

Aug. 28, 2000
When made into light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wide-gap II-VI semiconductors such as zinc selenide (ZnSe) emit light in the blue-green part of the spectrum. If it weren't for their short lifetimes, such devices could be competition for gallium nitride-based LEDs. Adding tellurium to the p layers of a ZnSe LED stabilizes the nitrogen receptor, lengthening lifetimes; also important is proper lattice spacings in the various layers of the device ...

When made into light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wide-gap II-VI semiconductors such as zinc selenide (ZnSe) emit light in the blue-green part of the spectrum. If it weren't for their short lifetimes, such devices could be competition for gallium nitride-based LEDs. Adding tellurium to the p layers of a ZnSe LED stabilizes the nitrogen receptor, lengthening lifetimes; also important is proper lattice spacings in the various layers of the device, leading to a tensile strain of the quantum well. Researchers at the Universität Würzburg (Würzburg, Germany) have satisfied both these needs by building an LED that includes a layer of zinc magnesium selenide telluride, a zinc cadmium selenide quantum well, and an indium phosphide substrate. In contrast to conventional II-VI diodes made on a gallium arsenide substrate with a similar density of extended defects, the new LED shows no formation of dark-line defects, resulting in a lifetime increased by three orders of magnitude. Although the first such LED died catastrophically after 150 h when a contact failed, a reduction of the current density should increase device lifetime. Lifetime estimates for the first fabricated structure (which has only moderate quality) are at least several thousand hours. Contact Wolfgang Faschinger at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Filter accessories including cubes, sliders, and rings, designed to enhance the performance and versatility of optical systems. These components ensure precise alignment and stability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!