Abstract: A nitride-based semiconductor element capable of effectively preventing a nitride-based semiconductor layer of a first area from cracking and reducing the degree of warpage of a substrate is obtained. This nitride-based semiconductor element comprises a first region formed on a prescribed region of a substrate and provided with an element including a first nitride-based semiconductor layer having a prescribed thickness and a second region formed on a region of the substrate other than the first region and provided with the first nitride-based semiconductor layer with a thickness smaller than the thickness in the first region. Thus, strain easily concentrates to the second region provided with the first nitride-based semiconductor layer with the smaller thickness, whereby strain of the first region provided with the element is relaxed.

Abstract: A nitride-based semiconductor element having superior mass productivity and excellent element characteristics is obtained. This nitride-based semiconductor element comprises a substrate comprising a surface having projection portions, a mask layer formed to be in contact with only the projection portions of the surface of the substrate, a first nitride-based semiconductor layer formed on recess portions of the substrate and the mask layer and a nitride-based semiconductor element layer, formed on the first nitride-based semiconductor layer, having an element region. Thus, the first nitride-based semiconductor layer having low dislocation density is readily formed on the projection portions of the substrate and the mask layer through the mask layer serving for selective growth.

Abstract: A nitride-based semiconductor element having superior mass productivity and excellent element characteristics is obtained. This nitride-based semiconductor element comprises a substrate comprising a surface having projection portions, a mask layer formed to be in contact with only the projection portions of the surface of the substrate, a first nitride-based semiconductor layer formed on recess portions of the substrate and the mask layer and a nitride-based semiconductor element layer, formed on the first nitride-based semiconductor layer, having an element region. Thus, the first nitride-based semiconductor layer having low dislocation density is readily formed on the projection portions of the substrate and the mask layer through the mask layer serving for selective growth.