A laser diode includes a first n-cladding layer disposed on and lattice-matched to an n-semiconductor substrate, wherein the first n-cladding layer is n-AlGaInP or n-GaInP; a second n-cladding layer of n-AlGaAs supported by the first n-cladding layer; and an inserted layer disposed between the first n-cladding layer and the second n-cladding layer, wherein the inserted layer includes the same elements as the first n-cladding layer, the inserted layer has the same composition ratios of Al and Ga (and P) as the first n-cladding layer, and the inserted layer contains a lower composition ratio of In than the first n-cladding layer.