The effect of period of electron emitter multiple‐quantum well (EE‐MQW) structure on the structural, electrical, and optical characteristics of nitride‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. From the lattice constant results of InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum well (MQW) by the high resolution X‐ray diffraction, the compressive strain of InGaN/GaN MQW could be released gradually when the period of EE‐MQW structure increases. Therefore, the leakage current reduces and the ESD endurance ability enhances with increasing period of EE‐MQW structure. On the other hand, the electron injection efficiency will also be improved by inserting EE‐MQW structure. When the period of EE‐MQW structure increases, the forward voltage and series resistance both decrease. Due to the improved electron injection efficiency and crystalline quality, the luminance intensity increases with increasing period of EE‐MQW structure. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)