Analysis of electroluminescent cooling in GaN-LEDs

Abstract

Recently, GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were demonstrated to emit photons of higher energy than the injected electrons up to elevated currents, which is attributed to heat extraction from the crystal lattice. We investigate this electroluminescent cooling effect by advanced device simulation which is in good agreement with measurements on industry-grade blue LEDs. The built-in polarization is found to enhance the cooling process while Joule heating is negligible even at higher currents. Strategies for enhanced heat removal from the LED are evaluated.