An electrode structure is disclosed for enhancing the brightness and/or
efficiency of an LED. The electrode structure can have a metal electrode
and an optically transmissive thick dielectric material formed
intermediate the electrode and a light emitting semiconductor material.
The electrode and the thick dielectric cooperate to reflect light from
the semiconductor material back into the semiconductor so as to enhance
the likelihood of the light ultimately being transmitted from the
semiconductor material. Such LED can have enhanced utility and can be
suitable for uses such as general illumination. The semiconductor
material can have a cutout formed therein and a portion of the electrode
can be formed outside of the cutout and a portion of the electrode can be
formed inside of the cutout. The portion of the electrode outside the
cutout can be electrically isolated from the semiconductor material by
the dielectric material.