Semiconductor light emitting device and semiconductor light emitting apparatus

A semiconductor light emitting device comprises: a stacked body of semiconductor including an active layer; a ridge stripe protruding and extending in a first direction on a first major surface of the stacked body; dummy ridges protruding on the first major surface of the stacked body on both sides of the ridge stripe; and a slit formed on the first major surface of the stacked body. The ridge stripe includes at least a portion of a waveguide that guides light emission generated by injected current. The slit extends along a second direction which crosses the first direction, and divides one of the dummy ridges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-028159, filed on Feb. 4, 2004; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a semiconductor light emitting device and a semiconductor light emitting apparatus, and more particularly, to a semiconductor light emitting device such as a semiconductor laser with a ridge stripe and a semiconductor light emitting apparatus equipped with the same.

In recent years, semiconductor lasers having oscillation wavelengths of 600 to 700 nm have been put to practical use such as in DVD (digital versatile disc). For their further application to writing for DVD-R (recordable) and DVD-RW (rewritable), higher output power is required. One of the device structures of a semiconductor laser that meets such requirements is a “ridge-waveguide type” structure. In a ridge-waveguide type semiconductor laser, lightwave is confined and propagated in a stripe-shaped ridge to control the horizontal transverse mode. Thus it has an advantage that excellent optical output characteristics can be obtained.

In such a high-powered semiconductor laser, the amount of heat generated from its active layer is also increased. For this reason, in order to improve heat dissipation from the laser device, it is desirable to use a so-called “junction down” mounting configuration, in which the p-n junction is mounted in the close vicinity of a submount or other packaging member.

However, in junction down mounting, there is a problem that stress concentrates on the ridge protruding like a stripe, which makes the ridge prone to break. In this respect, a semiconductor laser comprising “dummy ridges” on both sides of the ridge is disclosed (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications 2000-164986 and 2002-223039).

FIG. 30is a plan view of a semiconductor laser comprising dummy ridges as viewed from its mounting surface.

More specifically, the semiconductor laser100shown in these figures has a ridge stripe112protruding like a stripe formed on its mounting surface M. Dummy ridges114are provided on both sides of the ridge stripe112. The dummy ridges114are continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the ridge stripe112.

Current injected via electrodes (not shown) provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the device is narrowed by the ridge stripe112and causes light emission at the p-n junction formed on its bottom. The emitted light propagates in the ridge stripe112to cause laser oscillation, which is emitted as laser light L from the end face.

When such a laser device is mounted in the junction down configuration, the mounting stress may concentrate on the ridge stripe to cause its breakdown. In this respect, dummy ridges114with the same height as the ridge stripe112can be provided on both sides of the ridge stripe112. This can prevent the breakdown of the ridge stripe112by dispersing the stress when the mounting surface M is mounted on the packaging member (not shown).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor light emitting device comprising: a stacked body of semiconductor including an active layer; a ridge stripe protruding and extending in a first direction on a first major surface of the stacked body, the ridge stripe including at least a portion of a waveguide that guides light emission generated by injected current; dummy ridges protruding on the first major surface of the stacked body on both sides of the ridge stripe; and a slit formed on the first major surface of the stacked body, the slit extending along a second direction which crosses the first direction, and the slit dividing one of the dummy ridges.

According to other aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor light emitting apparatus comprising: a packaging member; and a semiconductor light emitting device having: a stacked body of semiconductor including an active layer; a ridge stripe protruding and extending in a first direction on a first major surface of the stacked body, the ridge stripe including at least a portion of a waveguide that guides light emission generated by injected current; dummy ridges protruding on the first major surface of the stacked body on both sides of the ridge stripe; and a slit formed on the first major surface of the stacked body, the slit extending along a second direction which crosses the first direction, and the slit dividing one of the dummy ridges, the semiconductor light emitting device being bonded to the packaging member so that the packaging member faces the first major surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor's independent trial production and investigation has revealed that the semiconductor laser as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31mounted on the packaging member in the junction down configuration may have void formed in the solder layer underlying the ridge stripe112, which may degrade temperature or other characteristics.

FIG. 32is a partial enlarged view showing a cross section after the semiconductor laser shown inFIGS. 30 and 31is mounted in the junction down configuration.

When the semiconductor laser100was mounted on a submount200with gold-tin (Au—Sn)50, void V was formed in the solder layer of gold-tin50below the ridge stripe112. It was observed that the void V extended from directly below the ridge stripe112to the dummy ridges114formed on its both sides. Formation of such void V significantly decreases the thermal contact between the semiconductor laser100and the submount200. As a result, heat generated at the p-n junction underlying the ridge stripe112may not be dissipated, thereby significantly degrading the thermal characteristics of the semiconductor laser100. That is, it may cause decrease of output, maximum operating temperature, and long-term reliability.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a semiconductor light emitting device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device of the first embodiment as viewed from its mounting surface M.

More specifically, the semiconductor light emitting device10shown in these figures is a ridge-waveguide type semiconductor laser. The laser device10is mounted on a packaging member (not shown) in the junction down configuration. Laser light L is emitted from an end face10E near the ridge stripe12. The ridge stripe12protruding like a stripe is formed on the mounting surface M. Dummy ridges114are provided on both sides of the ridge stripe112with certain spacing. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the dummy ridges are not continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the ridge stripe12, but are separated as appropriate by a slit16.

FIG. 5is a conceptual view for illustrating the function of the slit16. More specifically, when the laser device10is mounted on a submount or other packaging member (not shown) with solder (or adhesive) such as gold-tin, void V may occur in the solder layer as described above with reference toFIG. 32. This is because the dummy ridges14provided on both sides of the ridge stripe12prevent air bubbles from escaping out of the solder layer. On the contrary, according to this embodiment, the slit16provided to the dummy ridges14can provide an “escape route” for void V. That is, even if void V as shown occurs from air involved in the solder layer below the ridge stripe12at the time of mounting, the air can be ejected via the slit16as indicated by arrow E by applying weight on the laser device10against the packaging member.

FIG. 6is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor laser device of the first embodiment in a mounted state.

More specifically, the laser device10is mounted on the submount200with the gold-tin solder layer50in the junction down configuration. According to this embodiment, no void is formed in the solder layer50as shown in the figure. The bottom of the ridge stripe12is bonded to the submount200with the continuous solder layer50. As a result, the physical bonding strength of the semiconductor laser device10can be improved, and at the same time, thermal contact can be significantly improved. That is, heat generated in the light emitting portion of the laser device10is efficiently dissipated to the submount200, which can improve not only the initial characteristics but also the long-term reliability of the laser.

The invention can also be applied to a semiconductor light emitting device in which bonding solder layer50made of gold-tin or the like is formed in advance.

FIG. 7is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the semiconductor light emitting device on which a solder layer is formed. That is, this figure corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2. With respect toFIG. 7, elements similar to those described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6are marked with the same numerals and are not described in detail.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, a solder layer50is formed on the mounting surface M of the device. The solder layer50can be formed, for example, by depositing solder material such as gold-tin by vapor deposition or other methods, as described in detail later as an example of the invention.

In one method of mounting a light emitting device with solder, a solder chip in the form of preform or the like is placed on the packaging member, and the light emitting device is placed thereon. By applying weight to the device with heating, the solder chip is melted, and thereby the device is bonded. In this case, however, solder preform is required, and its handling is cumbersome.

In this respect, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the mounting process can be significantly simplified by forming a solder layer50on the mounting surface of the light emitting device in advance. However, when a solder layer50is formed with uniform thickness, air tends to remain near the center of the light emitting device, that is, in the portion below the ridge stripe12, which may cause formation of void V.

On the contrary, according to this embodiment, an escape route of air is provided and generation of void V can be prevented by providing a slit16as illustrated inFIG. 5. As a result, the light emitting device10can be firmly bonded to achieve good thermal contact.

On the other hand, it is particularly advantageous to apply the invention to a light emitting device having a ridge stripe12formed lower than dummy ridges14.

FIG. 8is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a variation of the light emitting device of the first embodiment. That is, this figure corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, in the mounting surface M, the ridge stripe12is formed lower than the dummy ridges14by height H. As described in detail later, this height difference may inevitably occur in the structure of concentrating current on the ridge stripe12, for example.

When the ridge stripe12is lower than the surrounding dummy ridges14like this, air involved in the solder layer below the ridge stripe12is difficult to escape at the time of mounting, and void V tends to be formed as illustrated inFIG. 32.

On the contrary, according to this embodiment, an escape route of air is provided and generation of void V can be prevented by providing a slit16as illustrated inFIG. 5. As a result, the light emitting device10can be firmly bonded to achieve good thermal contact.

FIG. 9is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a specific example having a structure of a lowered ridge stripe12. That is, this figure also corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, an insulating layer40is provided in the range from the side surface of the ridge stripe12to the top surface of the dummy ridges14. The insulating layer40may be made of, for example, dielectric material such as silicon oxides and silicon nitrides, or high resistance semiconductors. Provision of such an insulating layer40can block injection of current via the dummy ridges14. In other words, as shown inFIG. 9, in the mounting surface M, current I can be injected only into the ridge stripe12to cause light emission only in the close vicinity of the waveguide, which leads to the laser output with high efficiency.

FIG. 10is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second specific example having a structure of a lowered ridge stripe12. That is, this figure also corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, an insulating layer40is provided only on the top surface of the dummy ridges14. Provision of an insulating layer40like this can also cause current I to be injected only into the ridge stripe12. That is, light emission is caused only in the close vicinity of the waveguide, and thereby the laser output can be obtained with high efficiency.

FIG. 11is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a third specific example having a structure of a lowered ridge stripe12. That is, this figure also corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, a current blocking layer42is provided only in the basal portion of the dummy ridges14. The current blocking layer42can be formed, for example, with high resistance semiconductors, or as a structure including a p-n junction to which reverse bias is applied during laser operation. Provision of a current blocking layer42like this can also cause current I to be injected only into the ridge stripe12. That is, light emission is caused only in the close vicinity of the waveguide, and thereby the laser output can be obtained with high efficiency.

Here, as described above with reference toFIG. 8, when the ridge stripe12is lowered by an amount of the thickness H of the insulating layer40or the current blocking layer42, void V tends to be formed in that portion of the solder layer. On the contrary, according to this embodiment, an escape route of air is provided and generation of void V can be prevented by providing a slit16as illustrated inFIG. 5. As a result, the light emitting device10can be firmly bonded to achieve good thermal contact.

FIG. 12is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a second embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view along line A-A inFIG. 12, andFIG. 14is a cross-sectional view along line B-B inFIG. 12. With respect to these figures, elements similar to those described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 11are marked with the same numerals and are not described in detail.

In this specific example, two slits16are provided on both sides of the ridge stripe12, respectively. That is, two routes for ejecting air out of the solder layer at the time of mounting are provided on both sides of the ridge stripe12, respectively. This promotes the “escape” of air from the solder layer and can prevent formation of void V more reliably.

It should be noted that if the number of slits16is further increased, the “escape” of air can be further promoted. That is, as long as the stress dispersion effect of the dummy ridges14is maintained, the number of slits16can be increased to suppress formation of void V more reliably, which leads to a semiconductor laser device with high performance.

FIG. 15is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a third embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface. Here, the line A-A cross section inFIG. 15is as shown inFIG. 3or13. The line B-B cross section inFIG. 15is as shown inFIG. 4or14.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, the slits16are formed in a fan shape as viewed from the ridge stripe12. That is, the slits16are provided so as to widen with the distance from the ridge stripe12. Accordingly, the dummy ridge14is formed in a triangular shape with its base facing the ridge stripe12.

Also in this specific example, an escape route of air is provided and generation of void V can be prevented by providing the slits16. In addition, by forming the slit16in a fan shape, the conductance for the “escape” of air is increased, and thereby generation of void V in the solder layer can be suppressed more effectively.

Moreover, in this specific example, the ridge stripe12is sufficiently protected by forming the dummy ridge14in a triangular shape with its base facing the ridge stripe12. That is, since the ridge stripe12is almost surrounded on its both sides by the dummy ridges14, weight applied at the time of mounting is dispersed efficiently, and thereby the ridge stripe12can be protected.

FIG. 16is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface. Here, the line A-A cross section inFIG. 16is as shown inFIG. 3or13. The line B-B cross section inFIG. 16is as shown inFIG. 4or14.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, the slits16are formed in a fan shape as viewed from the ridge stripe12, similar to the light emitting device of the third embodiment described above with reference toFIG. 15. However, the widening is smaller than that of the third embodiment. Accordingly, the dummy ridge14is formed in a trapezoidal shape with its base facing the ridge stripe12.

Also in this specific example, as with the third embodiment, by forming the slit16in a fan shape, the conductance for the “escape” of air is increased, and thereby generation of void V in the solder layer can be suppressed more effectively. Moreover, by forming the dummy ridge14in a trapezoidal shape with its base facing the ridge stripe12, the ridge stripe12is almost covered on its both sides with the dummy ridges14. Thus weight applied at the time of mounting is dispersed efficiently, and thereby the ridge stripe12can be protected.

FIG. 17is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface. Here, the line A-A cross section inFIG. 17is as shown inFIG. 3or13. The line B-B cross section inFIG. 17is as shown inFIG. 4or14.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, the slits16are formed in a reverse fan shape as viewed from the ridge stripe12. That is, the slits16are provided so as to be wide near the ridge stripe12and narrowed with the distance from the ridge stripe12. Accordingly, the dummy ridge14is formed in a triangular shape with its vertex facing the ridge stripe12.

Also in this specific example, an escape route of air is provided and generation of void V can be prevented by providing the slits16. In addition, according to this specific example, by forming the slit16in a reverse fan shape, the effect of moving the air layer below the ridge stripe12to the slit16is promoted. That is, since the protrusion of the dummy ridge14is reduced around the ridge stripe12, the air layer below the ridge stripe12tends to be pushed out toward the slit16when weight is applied at the time of mounting. As a result, formation of void V below the ridge stripe12can be prevented more reliably.

FIG. 18is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface. Here, the line A-A cross section inFIG. 18is as shown inFIG. 3or13. The line B-B cross section inFIG. 18is as shown inFIG. 4or14.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, the slits16are formed in a reverse fan shape as viewed from the ridge stripe12, similar to the light emitting device of the fifth embodiment described above with reference toFIG. 17. However, the widening is smaller than that of the fifth embodiment. Accordingly, the dummy ridge14is formed in a trapezoidal shape with its upper side facing the ridge stripe12.

Also in this specific example, as with the fifth embodiment, by forming the slit16in a reverse fan shape, the effect of moving the air layer below the ridge stripe12to the slit16is promoted. In addition, by forming the dummy ridge14in a trapezoidal shape, the area of the dummy ridge14can be increased relative to the fifth embodiment to enhance the stress dispersion effect.

FIG. 19is a plan view of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention as viewed from its mounting surface. Here, the line A-A cross section inFIG. 19is as shown inFIG. 3or13. The line B-B cross section inFIG. 19is as shown inFIG. 4or14.

In the light emitting device of this specific example, the dummy ridge14is formed in a plurality of elliptic patterns, and the slit16is formed as a gap between the elliptic dummy ridges14. When the dummy ridge14is formed in an elliptic or circular shape, the escape route of air from the ridge stripe12is also formed in a circular shape, which facilitates the “escape” of air. At the same time, a sufficient area of the dummy ridge14is provided to achieve the stress dispersion effect easily.

FIGS. 20 and 21are partial enlarged cross-sectional views of a semiconductor light emitting device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. That is,FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction relative to the ridge stripe12, and corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2,12, or15, for example.

FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction relative to the slit16.

The semiconductor light emitting device of this embodiment comprises taper portions14T partly on the side surface of the dummy ridges14.

As shown inFIG. 20, when such a taper portion14T is provided on the side surface of the dummy ridge14facing the ridge stripe12, that portion is recessed as viewed from the ridge stripe12, which can promote movement of air from the ridge stripe12.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 21, when a taper portion14T is provided on the side surface of the dummy ridge14around the slit16, the escape route of air can be virtually expanded, which can promote the “escape” of air.

FIGS. 22 and 23are partial enlarged cross-sectional views of a semiconductor light emitting device according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. That is,FIG. 22, as withFIG. 20, is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction relative to the ridge stripe12, and corresponds to the line A-A cross section inFIG. 2,12, or15, for example.

FIG. 23, as withFIG. 21, is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction relative to the slit16.

The semiconductor light emitting device of this embodiment comprises taper portions14T entirely on the side surface of the dummy ridges14. Therefore, the function and effect of the eighth embodiment described above with reference toFIGS. 20 and 21can be further enhanced.

EXAMPLE

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to an example.

FIG. 24shows a cross-sectional structure of a relevant part of the semiconductor light emitting device as an example of the invention. More specifically, this figure shows a cross section near the ridge stripe12of a semiconductor laser.

The semiconductor laser of this example is a ridge-waveguide type semiconductor laser that can oscillate around a wavelength of 650 nm. On an n-type GaAs substrate21, an n-type In0.5(Ga0.3Al0.7)0.5P lower cladding layer22, In0.5(Ga0.5Al0.5)0.5P optical guide layer23, InGaP/InGaAlP MQW (Multiple Quantum Well) active layer24, IN0.5(Ga0.5Al0.5)0.5P optical guide layer25, p-type In0.5(Ga0.3Al0.7)0.5P upper first cladding layer26, p-type In0.5Ga0.5P etching stopper layer27, p-type In0.5(Ga0.3Al0.7)0.5P upper second cladding layer28, p-type In0.5Ga0.5P intermediate layer29, and p-type GaAs contact layer30are stacked in this order.

The second cladding layer28is patterned like a stripe to form a ridge stripe12. The ridge stripe12has a sloped portion12ahaving sloped side surfaces, and a vertical portion12bhaving generally vertical side surfaces on the sloped portion12a. A p-side electrode31is formed above the contact layer30, and an n-side electrode32is formed on the rear side of the substrate21.

Next, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor laser of this example will be described.

FIGS. 25 and 26are process cross-sectional views showing part of the semiconductor laser of this example.

First, as shown inFIG. 25A, a layered structure comprising a series of layers from the InGaAlP cladding layer22to the GaAs contact layer30is formed on the n-type GaAs substrate21.

Next, a ridge stripe and dummy ridges are formed by known techniques such as dry etching, wet etching, and sidewall techniques. At this time, as illustrated inFIGS. 2,5,12, and15, the dummy ridges14are not continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the ridge stripe12, but slits16are provided as appropriate.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 25B, silicon oxide film230is deposited again on the entire surface of the wafer by CVD method.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 25C, the silicon oxide film230covering the top surface of the ridge stripe12is selectively etched away by known coating film planarization and lithography techniques to expose a contact portion extending to the top of the ridge.

After a p-side electrode31is formed, the rear side of the GaAs substrate21is polished to thin the wafer.

Next, as shown inFIG. 25D, an n-side electrode32is formed on the rear surface of the GaAs substrate21.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 26, gold-tin50is applied as a solder layer, thereby completing the semiconductor laser of this example.

As described above, according to this example, a ridge-waveguide type semiconductor laser protected by dummy ridges14is obtained. As also shown inFIG. 25C, in the semiconductor laser of this example, silicon oxide film230for blocking current is formed on the top surface of the dummy ridges14. Thus the ridge stripe12has a smaller height by the thickness of the silicon oxide film230. Therefore, when this laser device is mounted in the junction down configuration, void V tends to be formed in the solder layer as described above with reference toFIG. 32. In this respect, according to this example, slits16are provided as appropriate on both sides of the ridge stripe12. Thus, at the time of mounting, the “escape” of air is promoted, and formation of void V can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to achieve a semiconductor light emitting apparatus that is bonded with physical robustness and simultaneously has a good thermal contact.

Next, a semiconductor light emitting apparatus of the embodiment of the invention will be described.

FIG. 27is a schematic view showing an example of a semiconductor light emitting apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. That is,FIG. 27Ais its plan view, andFIG. 27Bis its front view.

The semiconductor light emitting apparatus of this specific example is referred to as of “chip-carrier type”. More specifically, a semiconductor light emitting device10is mounted on a carrier300made of insulating material such as aluminum nitride or aluminum oxide, or semiconductors such as silicon, in the junction down configuration with solder such as gold-tin, or conductive adhesive. Laser light L is emitted from the end face near the mounting surface of the semiconductor light emitting device10.

According to this embodiment, as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 26, slits16are provided as appropriate on the mounting surface of the semiconductor light emitting device10to suppress formation of void in the solder layer below the ridge stripe. It is thus possible to achieve a chip-carrier type semiconductor light emitting apparatus that has increased physical bonding strength for the chip carrier300and can maintain good thermal contact at the same time.

FIG. 28is a schematic view showing a second specific example of the semiconductor light emitting apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. That is,FIG. 28Ais its plan view, andFIG. 28Bis its front view.

The semiconductor light emitting apparatus of this specific example is also a “chip-carrier type” apparatus. It differs from that shown inFIG. 27in that a submount310is provided between the carrier300and the semiconductor light emitting device10. The submount310serves to reduce thermal stress applied to the semiconductor light emitting device10by, for example, enhancing heat dissipation from the semiconductor light emitting device10and alleviating the difference of expansivity between the semiconductor light emitting device10and the carrier300.

Also in this embodiment, as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 26, slits16are provided as appropriate on the mounting surface of the semiconductor light emitting device10to suppress formation of void in the solder layer below the ridge stripe. It is thus possible to achieve a chip-carrier type semiconductor light emitting apparatus that has increased physical bonding strength for the submount310and can maintain good thermal contact at the same time.

FIG. 29is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third specific example of the semiconductor light emitting apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, this figure shows a so-called can-seal type semiconductor light emitting apparatus.

The semiconductor light emitting apparatus400comprises a stem410, a stem mount430, and a sealing can450. The stem410is provided with lead pins420, enabling external electrical connection. The stem mount430is secured to the stem410. A semiconductor light emitting device10is mounted at the tip of the stem mount430in the junction down configuration via a submount440. Above the stem410, a monitoring light-receiving device470is provided for monitoring output from the semiconductor light emitting device10and performing appropriate feedback control.

The semiconductor light emitting device10is sealed with the sealing can450. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting device10is picked up externally via a window460made of translucent material such as glass, provided in the sealing can450.

Also in this embodiment, as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 26, slits16are provided as appropriate on the mounting surface of the semiconductor light emitting device10to suppress formation of void in the solder layer below the ridge stripe. It is thus possible to achieve a can-seal type semiconductor light emitting apparatus that has increased physical bonding strength for the submount440and can maintain good thermal contact at the same time.

The embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples. However, the invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, any details of the layered structure constituting the semiconductor light emitting device modified as appropriate by those skilled in the art are also encompassed within the scope of the invention, as long as they comprise the feature of the invention. For example, the active layer may be made of various materials in addition to InGaAlP-based material, including GaxIn1−xAsyN1−y-based (0≦x≦1, 0≦y<1), AlGaAs-based, and InGaAsP-based materials. Similarly, the cladding layers and optical guide layer may also be made of various materials.

Any shape and size of the semiconductor light emitting device modified as appropriate by those skilled in the art are also encompassed within the scope of the invention, as long as they comprise the feature of the invention. Moreover, the shape and size of the ridge stripe, the shape and arrangement relationship of the dummy ridges, and the shape and number of the slits may also be modified in various ways, any of which is encompassed within the scope of the invention.

On the other hand, also with respect to the semiconductor light emitting apparatus of the invention, various apparatuses other than those described above as the specific examples are encompassed within the scope of the invention. They include, for example, a semiconductor light emitting apparatus having a receptacle for coupling an optical fiber in which the semiconductor light emitting device of the invention is incorporated, and a semiconductor light emitting apparatus having a packaging substrate on which the semiconductor light emitting device of the invention is mounted. In effect, any semiconductor light emitting apparatus in which a semiconductor light emitting device of the invention is mounted in the junction down configuration belongs to the scope of the semiconductor light emitting apparatus of the invention.

Any other semiconductor light emitting devices and semiconductor light emitting apparatuses that can be modified and implemented as appropriate by those skilled in the art on the basis of the semiconductor light emitting devices and semiconductor light emitting apparatuses described above as the embodiments of the invention also belong to the scope of the invention.