Plasmon enhanced light-emitting diodes

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment of the present invention, a light-emitting diode comprises at least one quantum well sandwiched between a first intrinsic semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. An n-type heterostructure is disposed on a surface of the first intrinsic semiconductor layer, and a p-type heterostructure is disposed on a surface of the second intrinsic semiconductor layer opposite the n-type semiconductor heterostructure. The diode also includes a metal structure disposed on a surface of the light-emitting diode. Surface plasmon polaritons formed along the interface between the metal-structure and the light-emitting diode surface extend into the at least one quantum well increasing the spontaneous emission rate of the transverse magnetic field component of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the at least one quantum well. In certain embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation can be modulated at a rate of about 10 Gb/s or faster.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.