Multicolor light-emitting diodes based on semiconductor nanocrystals encapsulated in GaN charge injection layers

Nano Lett. 2005 Jun;5(6):1039-44. doi: 10.1021/nl050384x.

Abstract

Numerous technologies including solid-state lighting, displays, and traffic signals can benefit from efficient, color-selectable light sources that are driven electrically. Semiconductor nanocrystals are attractive types of chromophores that combine size-controlled emission colors and high emission efficiencies with excellent photostability and chemical flexibility. Applications of nanocrystals in light-emitting technologies, however, have been significantly hindered by difficulties in achieving direct electrical injection of carriers. Here we report the first successful demonstration of electroluminescence from an all-inorganic, nanocrystal-based architecture in which semiconductor nanocrystals are incorporated into a p-n junction formed from GaN injection layers. The critical step in the fabrication of these nanocrystal/GaN hybrid structures is the use of a novel deposition technique, energetic neutral atom beam lithography/epitaxy, that allows for the encapsulation of nanocrystals within a GaN matrix without adversely affecting either the nanocrystal integrity or its luminescence properties. We demonstrate electroluminescence (injection efficiencies of at least 1%) in both single- and two-color regimes using structures comprising either a single monolayer or a bilayer of nanocrystals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Equipment Design
  • Gallium / chemistry*
  • Light
  • Materials Testing
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Photochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Semiconductors*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Gallium
  • Nitrogen