A light emitting device includes an LED having a (e.g., top) light output surface, a ceramic phosphor, and an adhesive layer positioned to attach the top of the LED to the ceramic phosphor. In one embodiment the adhesive layer is composed of multiple separate patches (regions) that define at least one channel therebetween, with the channel being open to an environment to permit oxygen permeation. The adhesive layer can be applied by a patternable dispensing system.