A Review of Recent Research Advances on AlGaN-Based Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes

Due to environmental friendliness, small size, long lifetime, and adjustable light-emitting wavelength, AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) have great development potential in the fields of biochemical detection, sterilization and disinfection, and non-line-of-sight communication. After decades of research, AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs have significantly improved in the direction of luminous efficiency. However, the luminous efficiency of the present AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs is still at a low level compared with that of the fully commercialised nitride blue LEDs, making it difficult to meet the market demand. This paper first introduces the present development status of AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs and the reasons for the low luminous efficiency. Then from the preparation of AlGaN-based, AlGaN doping and the design of AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs structure to elaborate the research progress in recent years in the direction of improving the luminous efficiency of AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs. Finally discusses the challenges that the AlGaN-based DUV-LEDs are presently faced with, and their future opportunities for development.