A micro-light emitting diode includes a mesa structure that includes a first set of one or more semiconductor layers, an active layer configured to emit light, a second set of one or more semiconductor layers on the active layer, and a dielectric layer in sidewall regions of the mesa structure. A center region of the second set of one or more semiconductor layers is thicker than a sidewall region of the second set of one or more semiconductor layers, such that a distance from a surface of the sidewall region of the second set of one or more semiconductor layers to the active layer is less than a distance from a surface of the center region of the second set of one or more semiconductor layers to the active layer, thereby forming a surface potential-induced lateral potential barrier at a sidewall region of the active layer.