Nano-structured Leds: Light Extraction Mechanisms and Applications

Nano-structuring is a promising way to improve the efficiency of light emitting diodes (LEDs): two-dimensional photonic crystals can help to extract light from LEDs with the option of shaping the emission pattern, but can also increase the internal quantum efficiency in combination with surface plasmon polaritons. Both concepts are investigated theoretically in order to quantify for the first time their benefit in comparison to standard state-of-the-art LEDs. The impact of the different PhC parameters is investigated in depth along with the importance of the LED’s layer stack. Additionally, the value of PhC LEDs for the application in etendue-limited systems is determined.