Electroluminescence of GaP

Abstract

Electroluminescence has been observed in GaP single crystals. Above a threshold current the intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the ac and dc passing through the crystals. The orange color of the light emission probably is due to the presence of Ga as activator, while the brilliant, deep red luminescence is observed in crystals where Zn is a possible activator. The temperature dependence of the luminescence is negligible in the range from liquid nitrogen temperature to 160°C. The impact excitation mechanism of Piper and Williams is proposed.