Defects dynamics during ageing cycles of InGaN blue light-emitting diodes revealed by evolution of external quantum efficiency - current dependence

We report in detail the defect dynamics in the active region by monitoring the external quantum efficiency (EQE) - injection current curves, I-V curves, and electroluminescence spectra during the ageing test, under a forward current of 850 mA (85 A/cm2), room temperature. We apply a two-level model to analyze the EQE curves and the electroluminescence spectra. The results suggest that high injection density during the ageing may reduce the density of the Shockley-Reed-Hall nonradiative recombination centers and enhance the carrier mobility and diffusion length. The former effect would directly lead to initial surge of EQE, whereas the latter would enhance the effect of extended defects which leads to reduction in peak EQE and increase in EQE droop rate.