A two-stage singulation process is used in the fabrication of phosphor coated light emitting elements. Prior to the application of the phosphor coating, the individual light emitting elements are singulated using a laser dicing process; after application of the phosphor coating, the phosphor coated light emitting elements are singulated using a mechanical dicing process. Before laser dicing of the light emitting elements, the wafer is positioned on a piece of dicing- or die-attach-tape held by a frame; after laser dicing, the tape is stretched to provide space between the individual light emitting elements that allows for the wider kerf width of the subsequent mechanical dicing after application of the phosphor coating.