An n-type cladding layer structure which has good luminescence properties without the use of substances corresponding to RoHS Directive and a high Cl-doping efficiency, i.e. which facilitates the manufacture of a semiconductor optical element and device with low crystal defects and high reliability, and an active layer and a p-type cladding layer therefor are provided. The n-type layer being lattice matched to an InP substrate and containing Group II-VI compound as a main ingredient is a Group II-VI compound semiconductor, in which the Group II elements consist of Mg, Zn, and Be and the Group VI elements consist of Se and Te. The n-type layer of the present invention is characterized by a large energy gap, high energy of the bottom of a conduction band that is effective for suppressing the Type II luminescence, high carrier concentration, and low crystal defects attributed to a good quality crystallinity.