Why do GaN based LEDs continue to function despite a high number of defects?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the resilience of gallium nitride (GaN) based LEDs despite the presence of numerous lattice defects. It highlights that while the defects remain a significant concern, researchers are focused on minimizing these defects to enhance device longevity. The conversation references insights from "The Blue Laser Diode: The Complete Story" and mentions ongoing research efforts, including works by Speck at UCSB, to understand GaN's unique tolerance to defects. Overall, the scientific community continues to explore the mechanisms behind GaN's performance amidst its defect density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with lattice defects in semiconductor materials
  • Knowledge of LED technology and its operational principles
  • Research skills to navigate academic publications and studies
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate recent publications by John Speck on GaN and defect tolerance
  • Explore advancements in GaN defect reduction techniques
  • Study the impact of lattice defects on semiconductor performance
  • Review the book "The Blue Laser Diode: The Complete Story" for comprehensive insights
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, semiconductor engineers, and professionals in the LED industry seeking to enhance their understanding of GaN technology and its defect management strategies.

TONGSU
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TL;DR
Since the invention of GaN, Do we now understand why GaN based LED works given its huge number of defects?
From the book The Blue Laser Diode: The Complete Story, it said that

Indeed, maybe one of the most puzzling and amazing facts about present gallium nitride-based devices is why they work so well at all, given the huge numbers of defects in them!
I am wondering, after 20 years, is this problem still puzzling for scientists? How far have we understood about this problem?
 
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TONGSU said:
TL;DR Summary: Since the invention of GaN, Do we now understand why GaN based LED works given its huge number of defects?

From the book The Blue Laser Diode: The Complete Story, it said thatI am wondering, after 20 years, is this problem still puzzling for scientists? How far have we understood about this problem?
Hi TONGSU

I am of the opinion that it is not that the lattice defects are not puzzling nor not understood, but that the problem is on how to overcome, or minimize, the lattice defects so that the operating lifetime of a device can be enhanced.

The book review
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0957-0233/12/6/703

Some discussion ( a difficult read unless immersed within the subject )
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/articl...N-based-power-devices-Physics-reliability-and

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pssa.202100727

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180629114705.htm
 
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256bits said:
Hi TONGSU

I am of the opinion that it is not that the lattice defects are not puzzling nor not understood, but that the problem is on how to overcome, or minimize, the lattice defects so that the operating lifetime of a device can be enhanced.

The book review
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0957-0233/12/6/703

Some discussion ( a difficult read unless immersed within the subject )
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/articl...N-based-power-devices-Physics-reliability-and

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pssa.202100727

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180629114705.htm
I also noticed from the official website of UCSB about Gallium Nitride
UCSB Gallium Nitride that
"Generally, defects are bad for semiconductors, and they’re definitely bad for GaN, but it’s much more tolerant than other semiconductor, and we’re still trying to figure out why,” Speck said in 2017."
For the reason of why GaN is much more tolerant to defects, do we now have any conclusions?
 
TONGSU said:
For the reason of why GaN is much more tolerant to defects, do we now have any conclusions?

My apologies for a late reply.
You would have to read up on research in the field to obtain more insight than I could provide.
 
256bits said:
My apologies for a late reply.
You would have to read up on research in the field to obtain more insight than I could provide.
You could say something on this topic has already helped me a lot.
 
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You could try searching for Speck's name in Google scholar to see what papers he has published since 2017. The answer might be there. You could also try sending him an email.
 
Haborix said:
You could try searching for Speck's name in Google scholar to see what papers he has published since 2017. The answer might be there. You could also try sending him an email.
I actually have sent him an email, but didn't get a reply.
 

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