Investigation of the deep level involved in InGaN laser degradation by deep level transient spectroscopy

This paper reports an extensive analysis of the properties of the deep level responsible for the degradation of InGaN-based laser diodes. The analysis is based on combined optical measurements and Deep-Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) investigation. Results indicate that stress induces a significant increase in threshold current of the devices, which is strongly correlated to the increase in the concentration of a deep level (DL) detected by DLTS. The DL involved in the degradation process is located 0.35–0.45 eV below the conduction band. 2D simulation indicates that degradation occurs within the quantum-well region.