Probeless Estimation of Electroluminescence Intensities Based on Photoluminescence Measurements of GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes

The electroluminescence (EL) intensities of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are estimated based on their photoluminescence (PL) properties. The PL intensity obtained under open-circuit conditions is divided into two parts: the PL intensity under a forward bias lower than the optical turn-on voltage, and the difference between the PL intensities under open-circuit conditions and under forward bias. The luminescence induced by photoexcitation under a constant forward bias lower than the optical turn-on voltage is primarily the PL from the excited area of the LED. In contrast the intensity difference, obtained by subtracting the PL intensity under the forward bias from that under open-circuit conditions, contains the EL induced by the photocarriers generated during photoexcitation. In addition, a reverse photocurrent is generated during photoexcitation under constant forward bias across the LED, and can be correlated with the PL-intensity difference. The relationship between the photocurrent and PL-intensity difference matches well the relationship between the injection current and EL intensity of LEDs. The ratio between the photocurrent generated under a bias and the short-circuit current is related to the ratio between the PL-intensity difference and the PL intensity under open-circuit conditions. A relational expression consisting of the ratios, short-circuit current, and PL under open-circuit conditions is proposed to estimate the EL intensity.