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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the functioning of gallium nitride (GaN) based LEDs despite the presence of a high number of defects. Participants explore the understanding of this phenomenon over the past two decades, questioning whether the underlying reasons for GaN's tolerance to defects have been resolved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a book stating that the effectiveness of GaN devices amidst numerous defects is puzzling and still not fully understood.
  • One participant suggests that the main challenge lies in minimizing lattice defects to enhance device longevity, rather than understanding the defects themselves.
  • Another participant cites a statement from UCSB indicating that while defects are generally detrimental to semiconductors, GaN exhibits a higher tolerance, and the reasons for this tolerance remain unclear.
  • There are suggestions to explore recent research or contact experts in the field for further insights, with one participant noting an attempt to reach out to a researcher without a response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on whether the issue of defects in GaN is understood or remains puzzling. There is no consensus on the reasons for GaN's tolerance to defects, and the discussion reflects multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the topic and suggest that further reading and research are necessary to gain deeper insights into the current understanding of GaN defects.

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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