Optoelectronic Properties and Applications of Rare-Earth-Doped GaN

Abstract

As discussed in the accompanying articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin, the optical properties of rare-earth (RE) elements have led to many important photonic applications, including solid-state lasers, components for telecommunications (optical-fiber amplifiers, fiber lasers), optical storage devices, and displays. In most of these applications, the host materials for the RE elements are various forms of oxide and nonoxide glasses. The emission can occur at visible or infrared (IR) wavelengths, depending on the electronic transitions of the selected RE element and the excitation mechanism. Until recently, the study of semiconductors doped with RE elements such as Pr and Er has concentrated primarily on the lowest excited state as an optically active transition. The presence of transitions at IR wavelengths (1.3 and 1.54 μm) that are coincident with minima in the optical dispersion and the loss of silica-based glass fibers utilized in telecommunications, combined with the prospect of integration with semiconductor device technology, has sparked considerable interest.The status and prospects of obtaining stimulated emission in Si:Er are reviewed by Gregorkiewicz and Langer in this issue and by Coffa et al. in a previous MRS Bulletin issue. While great progress is being made in enhancing the emission intensity of Er-doped Si, it still experiences significant loss in luminescence efficiency at room temperature, as compared with low temperatures. This thermal quenching was shown by Favennec et al. to de crease with the bandgap energy of the semiconductor. Hence wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGSs) are attractive candidates for investigation as hosts for RE doping.

Ultraviolet photoluminescence from Gd-implanted AlN epilayers

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In particular, the large band gaps of GaN, AlN, and their alloys allow emission of higher energy rare earth transitions that are otherwise absorbed in smaller band gap host materials. Therefore, these materials may have application in visible displays or in white light systems that employ color-combining techniques.…”

Spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence studies of Eu-doped GaN

“…This broad excitation band overlaps higher lying intra-4 f Eu 3ϩ energy levels, providing an efficient pathway for carrier-mediated excitation of Eu 3ϩ ions in The visible and infrared light emissions from rare-earthdoped GaN ͑GaN:RE͒ are of significant current interest for applications in thin-film electroluminescence ͑EL͒ devices. [1][2][3][4] For achieving red light emission, the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 intra-4 f transition of trivalent Eu 3ϩ ions seems most promising. Intense red photoluminescence ͑PL͒ around 622 nm from GaN:Eu ͑as-grown and ion-implanted͒ has been reported from several research groups.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] In addition, several EL device structures based on GaN:Eu have been demonstrated. [1][2][3][4][5] The optimization of present EL devices, however, requires a more detailed understanding of the incorporation, excitation, and emission properties of Eu 3ϩ ions in the GaN host matrix.Several studies have recently appeared focusing on the preparation and optical properties of GaN:Eu. 4 -11 Based on the comparison to RE ions in other III-V semiconductors ͑e.g., InP:Yb, 12 GaAs:Er 13 ͒, the most probable lattice location for Eu 3ϩ ions in GaN are ͑substitutional͒ Ga sites, which have C 3V symmetry.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] For achieving red light emission, the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 intra-4 f transition of trivalent Eu 3ϩ ions seems most promising. Intense red photoluminescence ͑PL͒ around 622 nm from GaN:Eu ͑as-grown and ion-implanted͒ has been reported from several research groups.…”

Photoluminescence properties of in situ Tm-doped AlxGa1−xN

“…[1][2][3][4] Previous work on visible emission from RE-doped III-Ns was mainly focused on RE-doped GaN. [1][2][3] Photoluminescence ͑PL͒ and cathodoluminescence ͑CL͒ data have been reported from nearly all lanthanide ions doped into GaN.…”