Enhanced Cathodoluminescence of KOH-treated InGaN/GaN LEDs with Deep Nano-Hole Arrays

Abstract

Square lattice nano-hole arrays with diameters and periodicities of 200 and 500 nm, respectively, are fabricated on InGaN/GaN blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) using electron-beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching processes. Cathodoluminescence (CL) investigations show that light emission intensity from the LEDs with the nano-hole arrays is enhanced compared to that from the planar sample. The CL intensity enhancement factor decreases when the nano-holes penetrate into the multiple quantum wells (MQWs) due to the plasma-induced damage and the residues. Wet chemical treatment using KOH solution is found to be an effective method for light extraction from the nano-patterned LEDs, especially, when the nano-holes penetrate into the MQWs. About 4-fold CL intensity enhancement factor is achieved by the KOH treatments after the dry etching for the sample with a 250-nm deep nano-hole array.