A semiconductor light emitting device has a transparent layer having a
first main surface and a second main surface at a side opposite to the
first main surface, a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in at
least one line on the first main surface of the transparent layer, each
of the plurality of light emitting sections having an active layer and a
tapered section, the tapered section reflecting light emitted from the
active layer to the direction of the transparent layer, each of the
plurality of light emitting sections having a central portion and a
peripheral portion and having light intensity distribution on a second
main surface of the transparent layer, on the second main surface of the
transparent layer, light intensity at a region opposite to the peripheral
portion being equal to or more than light intensity at a region opposite
to the central portion, and a plurality of contact sections arranged
opposite to the central portion on the second main surface of the
transparent layer, each of the plurality of contact sections being opaque
with respect to emission wavelengths of the plurality of light emitting
sections.