Patent ID: 7687821

Claim:
A GaN-based LED comprising: a substrate; an n-type GaN layer formed on the substrate; an active layer formed on a predetermined region of the n-type GaN layer; a p-type GaN layer formed on the active layer; an n-electrode formed on a portion of the n-type GaN layer on which the active layer is not formed; a transparent layer formed on a continuous surface ranging from the p-type GaN layer to the n-type GaN layer, the transparent layer consisting of a transparent electrode part located on the p-type GaN layer and a protective film part located on the continuous surface excluding the area where the transparent electrode part and the n-electrode are formed; and a p-electrode formed on the transparent electrode part, wherein the transparent electrode part is not covered by the protective film part, wherein the protective film part is in contact with the transparent electrode part and the n-electrode, and is derived from a portion of the transparent layer with increased oxygen content therein.