The paper discusses various factors affecting internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of state-of-the-art III-nitride lightemitting
diodes (LEDs). A general figure of merit for LED heterostructures, namely the quality factor, is proposed on the
basis of a simple recombination model, which enables comparison of overall performances of the structures either
emitting light at different wavelengths or having substantially different designs. The relationships between the quality
factor, maximum value of IQE, and IQE droop with the current density are revealed. Some ways for IQE improvement
and reducing its droop are considered. Among them, the use of short-period superlattice (SPSL) active regions is found
to be quite promising. The operation of such structures and their properties are examined in detail by simulations
accounting for quantum corrections to electron and hole transport within the quantum-potential concept.
K. A. Bulashevich,
O. V. Khokhlev,
I. Yu. Evstratov,
S. Y. Karpov,
"Simulation of light-emitting diodes for new physics
understanding and device design", Proc. SPIE 8278, Light-Emitting Diodes: Materials, Devices, and Applications for Solid State Lighting XVI, 827819 (6 February 2012); doi: 10.1117/12.912305; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912305
K. A. Bulashevich, O. V. Khokhlev, I. Yu. Evstratov, S. Y. Karpov, "Simulation of light-emitting diodes for new physics
understanding and device design," Proc. SPIE 8278, Light-Emitting Diodes: Materials, Devices, and Applications for Solid State Lighting XVI, 827819 (6 February 2012);