Aging Of Algan Quantum Well Light Emitting Diode Studied By Scanning Near-Field Optical Spectroscopy

Emission from a 285 nm AlGaN quantum well light emitting diode has been studied by scanning near-field optical spectroscopy. The scans revealed micrometer-size domainlike areas emitting with a higher intensity and at a longer wavelength; presumably, because of a lower AlN molar fraction in these regions. Experiments performed on different days have shown that with time, intensity from these spots increases and emission wavelength shifts to the red, indicating a further change in the quantum well alloy composition. This has allowed distinguishing an aging mechanism that involves locally increased current, heating, and atom migration.