Nanohole array structured GaN-based white LEDs with improved modulation bandwidth via plasmon resonance and non-radiative energy transfer

Commercial white LEDs (WLEDs) are generally limited in modulation bandwidth due to a slow Stokes process, long lifetime of phosphors, and the quantum-confined Stark effect. Here we report what we believe is a novel plasmonic WLED by infiltrating a nanohole LED (H-LED) with quantum dots (QDs) and Ag nanopartides (NPs) together (M-LED). This decreased distance between quantum wells and QDs would open an extra non-radiative energy transfer channel and thus enhance Stokes transfer efficiency. The presence of Ag NPs enhances the spontaneous emission rate significantly. Compared to an H-LED filled with QDs (QD-LED), the optimized M-LED demonstrates a maximum color rendering index of 91.2, a 43% increase in optical power at 60 mA, and a lowered correlated color temperature. Simultaneously, the M-LED exhibits a data rate of 2.21 Gb/s at low current density of 96 A/cm(2) (60 mA), which is 77% higher than that of a QD-LED This is mainly due to the higher optical power and modulation bandwidth of the M-LED under the influence of plasmon, resulting in a higher data rate and higher signal-to-noise ratio under the forward error correction. We believe the approach reported in this work should contribute to a WLED light source with increased modulation bandwidth for a higher speed visible light communication application. (C) 2021 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

A novel plasmonic WLED was reported in this study, which enhances transmission efficiency and data rate by combining quantum dots and silver nanoparticles. Compared to conventional LEDs, the optimized M-LED showed higher color rendering index and optical power, while also achieving a higher data rate.