Strain tunable light emitting diodes with germanium P-I-N heterojunctions

摘要

Tunable p-i-n diodes comprising Ge heterojunction structures are provided. Also provided are methods for making and using the tunable p-i-n diodes. Tunability is provided by adjusting the tensile strain in the p-i-n heterojunction structure, which enables the diodes to emit radiation over a range of wavelengths.

主权项

1. A vertical p-i-n diode comprising:
a mechanically stretchable substrate; a vertical p-i-n heterojunction structure affixed to the mechanically stretchable substrate, the p-i-n heterojunction structure comprising a layer of n-type doped Ge, a layer of p-type doped Ge, and a layer of intrinsic Ge disposed between the n-type doped and p-type doped layers of Ge, wherein the combined thickness of the layer of n-type doped Ge, the layer of intrinsic Ge, and the layer of p-type doped Ge is no greater than about 100 nm; a first electrically conductive contact in electrical communication with the layer of n-type doped Ge; a second electrically conductive contact in electrical communication with the layer of p-type doped Ge; and a stretching actuator configured to stretch the mechanically stretchable substrate and the affixed vertical p-i-n heterojunction structure to induce a biaxial tensile strain in the Ge.