Bragg scattering from periodically microstructured light emitting diodes

We present a simple method of generating a periodic wavelength scale structure in the optically active layer of a light emitting diode. This is achieved by solution deposition of a light emitting polymer on top of a corrugated substrate. The periodic structure allows waveguide modes normally trapped both in the substrate and in the thin polymer film to be Bragg scattered out of the structure, thus leading to a doubling of efficiency. This scattering process gives rise to a polarization of the emission spectrum as well as angular dispersion effects. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)03043-6].