Transient memory effect in the photoluminescence of InGaN single quantum wells.

The transition to maximum photoluminescence of InGaN single quantum wells is a phenomena that has time constants in the range of few seconds. Using a systematic illumination/darkening procedure we found that these characteristics are related to previous stimulations as if the sample has a memory of past illumination events. Choosing opportune time sequences, time constants were observed to vary more than 100%. These facts suggest the presence of carrier trapping/de-trapping processes that act beyond the single illumination event, accumulating over time in a complex effect. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America