Directional light extraction enhancement from GaN-based film-transferred photonic crystal light-emitting diodes

Experimental investigation of the directionality in the far-field pattern and light extraction enhancement in collected cone were performed in GaN-based film-transferred photonic crystal (PhC) light-emitting diodes (FTLEDs). Angular-resolved measurement revealed directional profile and azimuthal anisotropy in the far-field distribution with guided modes extraction. Good agreement according to Bragg’s diffraction theory and free photon band structure were achieved. The light enhancement in PhC FTLEDs compared to non-PhC FTLEDs within the collection cone angle was obtained according to measured three-dimensional far-field patterns. In a ±20° collection cone, collected light was enhanced by a factor of ∼2.4 for the collimated PhC FTLED.