Optoelectronic properties analysis of silicon light-emitting diode monolithically integrated in standard CMOS IC

Si p⁺n junction diodes operating in the mode of avalanche breakdown are capable of emitting light in the visible range of 400-900 nm. In this study, to realize the switching speed in the GHz range, we present a transient model to shorten the carrier lifetime in the high electric field region by accumulating carriers in both p and n type regions. We also verify the optoelectronic characteristics by disclosing the related physical mechanisms behind the light emission phenomena. The emission of visible light by a monolithically integrated Si diode under the reverse bias is also discussed. The light is emitted as spatial sources by the defects located at the p-n junction of the reverse-biased diode. The influence of the defects on the electrical behavior is manifested as a current-dependent electroluminescence.