Performance improvement of AlGaInP based red LEDs by combination of omnidirectional mirror and AuZn micro-contacts

An omnidirectional reflector (ODR) consisted of (MgF₂)/Ag was employed in AlGaInP-based vertical red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in order to increase the light extraction hence the wall-plug efficiency. In this structure, the dielectric MgF₂ layer with low refractive index acted as current blocking and reflection enhancing layer. The cylindrical AuZn alloy micro-contacts perforated through the MgF₂ layer and played roles in current spreading and injection. The area ratio of AuZn micro-contacts was optimized to improve the performance of the LED. The results indicated that increasing the area ratio of micro-contacts led to the improvement of current injection uniformity and reduction of forward voltage especially at higher injection current, but at the expense of light extraction by reducing reflection. After optimized, the best performance of red-light LEDs can be obtained with 3% area ratio of micro-contacts.