A window structure for a gallium nitride (GaN)-based light emitting diode (LED) includes a Mg+ doped p window layer of a GaN compound; a thin, semi-transparent metal contact layer; and an amorphous current spreading layer formed on the contact layer. The contact layer is formed of NiO.sub.x /Au and the current spreading layer is formed of Indium Tin Oxide. The p electrode of the diode includes a titanium adhesion layer which forms an ohmic connection with the current spreading layer and a Schottky diode connection with the Mg+ doped window layer.