Silver-enhanced silicon nitride LED is efficient integrated-photonics source

July 2, 2012
One of the more difficult problems in creating silicon (Si) photonic circuits with active components is that no practical and efficient silicon-based light sources exist (hybrid circuits containing germanium-based or III-V light sources can be used instead).

One of the more difficult problems in creating silicon (Si) photonic circuits with active components is that no practical and efficient silicon-based light sources exist (hybrid circuits containing germanium-based or III-V light sources can be used instead). One possible approach, introducing nitrogen (N) to create SiN integrated LEDs, does result in light production but is still not very efficient. A group at Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) is working to remedy this by adding a layered structure that contains silver (Ag) islands 50–80 nm in size, resulting in the formation of efficiency-raising localized surface plasmons.

The researchers created an LED containing such a structure and compared it to a similar SiN LED that lacked the structure. Both LEDs emitted broadband electroluminescence from 400 to 700 nm, but the Ag-island LED had an output at 550 nm that was enhanced by a factor of 14 at a 25 mA current. In addition, the Agisland device could be driven at a current of more than 40 mA, while the control device burned out at 25 mA. The applied voltage was higher for the control device in these experiments but when the voltage was made the same (6 V) for both devices, the new LED had an integrated electroluminescence 480 times greater than the control device. The current-voltage characteristics of the new device were quite different, too. Contact Dongsheng Li at [email protected].

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series

March 19, 2024
IDEX Health & Science sets a new standard with our Melles Griot® XPLAN™ CCG Lens Series fluorescence microscope imaging systems. Access superior-quality optics with off-the-shelf...

Spatial Biology

March 19, 2024
Spatial Biology refers to the field that integrates spatial information into biological research, allowing for the study of biological systems in their native spatial context....

Custom-Engineered Optical Solutions for Your Application

March 19, 2024
We combine advanced optical design and manufacturing technology, with decades of experience in critical applications, to take you from first designs to ongoing marketplace success...

Semrock Optical Filters Resources

March 19, 2024
Looking for more information about Semrock optical filters? Explore sets by fluorophore, download the 2023 Semrock catalog and more.

Voice your opinion!

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