Abstract: An ultraviolet light emitting semiconductor chip, its use in a LED, and methods of its fabrication are disclosed. The semiconductor chip can include a buffer layer of AlxGa1-xN, where 0<×?1 having a thickness from about 10 ?m to about 3 mm and defining apertures in the thickness of the buffer layer formed due to lateral overgrowth of the buffer layer over a grooved basal substrate. A n-junction LED layer overlying the buffer layer, a multiple quantum well LED layer overlying the n-junction LED layer, and a p-junction LED layer overlying the multiple quantum well LED layer are also included in the chip, where all of the LED layers comprise AlxGa1-xN, where 0<×?1.

Abstract: Methods of achieving high breakdown voltages in semiconductor devices by suppressing the surface flashover using high dielectric strength insulating encapsulation material are generally described. In one embodiment of the present invention, surface flashover in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) is suppressed by using high dielectric strength insulating encapsulation material. Surface flashover in as-fabricated III-Nitride based HFETs limits the operating voltages at levels well below the breakdown voltages of GaN.