MOVPE growth of n-GaN cap layer on GaInN/GaN multi-quantum shell LEDs

Embedded growth of an n-GaN cap layer on multi-quantum shells (MQSs) and nanowires through a tunnel junction (TJ) was investigated for the improvement of current injection to the m-plane of the MQSs. Different growth conditions for an n-GaN cap layer were systematically studied to suppress Mg diffusion and void formation, which are serious problems in this structure. At a high temperature of 900 °C and above, the growth rate on a semi-polar r-plane decreased, and large voids were formed at the bottom part of the nanowires owing to the diffusion of Ga atoms from the r-plane to the m-plane. When the growth temperature decreased to 800 °C, the growth rate on both the m-plane and the r-plane increased, and the size of voids decreased. Simultaneously, Mg diffusion also disappeared because of the low growth temperature of 800 °C. It was found that the growth with an extremely low V/III ratio of 20 at low temperatures increases the lateral growth rate on the m-plane, and void formation is fully suppressed when the MQS height is 700 nm or less. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.