Carrier localization in InN/InGaN multiple-quantum wells with high In-content

Abstract

We study the carrier localization in InN/In 0.9Ga 0.1N multiple-quantum-wells (MQWs) and bulk InN by means of temperature-dependent photoluminescence and pump-probe measurements at 1.55 μm. The S-shaped thermal evolution of the emission energy of the InN film is attributed to carrier localization at structural defects with an average localization energy of ∼12 meV. Carrier localization is enhanced in the MQWs due to well/barrier thickness and ternary alloy composition fluctuations, leading to a localization energy above 35 meV and longer carrier relaxation time. As a result, the luminescence efficiency in the MQWs is improved by a factor of five over bulk InN. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.