A method of improving high-current density efficiency of an LED, said method comprising: (a) preparing a series of LEDs having decreasing defect densities, wherein each LED of said series has a peak IQE of at least 50%, and wherein each LED of said series has the same epitaxial structure; (b) determining an increase in IQEs at high-current density between at least two LEDs of said series; (c) preparing at least an additional LED of said series by reducing defect density relative to the previously obtained lowest defect density; and (d) reiterating steps (b) and (c) until said increase is at least 3% between two LEDs of said series having a decrease X in defect densities.