Patent ID: 8587015

Claim:
A light-emitting element comprising: a first conductivity type semiconductor layer; a light-emitting functional layer formed on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer in such a manner that part of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer is exposed; a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the light-emitting functional layer; a first conductivity type electrode which has continuity with the exposed portion of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer; a second conductivity type electrode which has continuity with the second conductivity type semiconductor layer; an insulating layer having a first portion that extends upward from the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and a second portion that extends to one side so as to be formed over at least a portion of the second conductivity type electrode, the first portion of the insulating layer being sandwiched directly between the light-emitting functional layer, second conductivity type semiconductor layer and second conductivity type electrode on one side and between the first conductivity type electrode on the opposite side for purposes of insulation; and an annex insulating layer formed of a different material than that of the insulating layer, the annex insulating layer annexed to and directly contacting the insulating layer to form a virtual diode having rectifying action in the opposite direction to that of a diode made up of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, light-emitting functional layer and first conductivity type semiconductor layer, wherein a portion of the second conductivity type electrode is formed between the annex insulating layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, and the annex insulating layer is formed between and surrounded by portions of the insulating layer and the second conductivity type electrode.