85% internal quantum efficiency of 280-nm AlGaN multiple quantum wells by defect engineering

In this study, high internal-quantum-efficiency (IQE) AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) were successfully demonstrated on low-defect-density AlN templates with nano-patterned sapphire substrates. These templates consisted of AlN structures with 0∼30 periods superlattices (SLs) by alternating high (100) and low (25) V/III ratios under a low growth temperature (1130 °C). Compared to conventional high crystal-quality AlN epilayers achieved at temperatures ≥1300 °C, lower thermal budget can reduce the production cost and wafer warpage. Via optimization of the SL period, the AlN crystallinity was systematically improved. Strong dependence of SL period number on the X-ray full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of the AlN epilayer was observed. The AlN template with 20-period SLs exhibited the lowest FWHM values for (0002) and (10ī2), namely 331 and 652 arcsec, respectively, as well as an ultra-low etching pit density of 1 × 10⁵ cm^-2. The relative IQE of 280 nm AlGaN MQWs exhibited a dramatically increase from 22.8% to 85% when the inserted SL increased from 0 to 20 periods. It has hardly ever been reported for the AlGaN MQW sample. The results indicate that the engineered AlN templates have high potential applications in deep ultraviolet light emitters.