Abstract: The aim of the invention is to simplify known passivation methods. According to said method, the semi-conductor elements are heated and cleaned in a high vacuum with a gaseous, reactive low-energy medium. A closed, insulating or slightly conductive, transparent protective layer is applied in-situ, said layer being inert in relation to the material on the mirror-type surface and the remaining components of a natural oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the optical semi-conductor elements is a GaAs-based semi-conductor laser, the reactive and low-energy medium is an atomic hydrogen and the protective layer is made of ZnSe.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to simplify known passivation methods. According to said method, the semi-conductor elements are heated and cleaned in a high vacuum with a gaseous, reactive low-energy medium. A closed, insulating or slightly conductive, transparent protective layer is applied in-situ, said layer being inert in relation to the material on the mirror-type surface and the remaining components of a natural oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the optical semi-conductor elements is a GaAs— based semi-conductor laser, the reactive and low-energy medium is an atomic hydrogen and the protective layer is made of ZnSe.