Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and École Polytechnique
confirm that Auger recombination theory is responsible for LED droop phenomenon
Researchers at University of California, Santa Barbara, in
collaboration with colleagues at the École Polytechnique in France, have
conclusively identified Auger recombination as the mechanism that causes light
emitting diodes (LEDs) to be less efficient at high drive currents.
Until now, scientists had only theorized the cause behind
the phenomenon known as LED “droop”—a mysterious drop in the light produced when
a higher current is applied. The cost per lumen of LEDs has held the technology
back as a viable replacement for incandescent bulbs for all-purpose commercial
and residential lighting.