Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
The consequences of the anisotropic resistance in AlGaN/GaN strained layer superlattices for the operation of laser diodes were studied for structures driven in LED mode. A series of laser structures containing different Mg-doped AlGaN bulk and AlGaN/GaN strained layer superlattice cladding layers was compared to estimate the current spreading in the cladding due to the formation of 2D-hole gases. Current-voltage measurements revealed a significant spread of the current path in the superlattices, whereas no spreading was seen for the bulk cladding. In contrast to this, investigations of the electroluminescence showed no significant differences.