Photoluminescence of InGaN device is variable, there is no clear explanation for this.
We perform an ad-hoc absorption procedure, found that gases on the surface reduce emission.
We found that variability is related to the pressure of the gas in which the sample is immersed.
We point out the role of oxygen as major player in the reduction of photoluminescence.
A model is proposed and explains successfully the dynamical optical processes observed.