A method of making a thin gallium-nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor structure is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate; sequentially forming one or more semiconductor layers on the substrate; etching a pattern in the one or more semiconductor layers; depositing a dielectrics layer; forming a photoresist on a portion of the dielectrics layer, wherein the portion of the dielectrics layer is deposited on the one or more semiconductor layers; depositing a primer; removing the photoresist layer, wherein the primer on the photoresist is also removed; depositing a superhard material, wherein the superhard material forms in the pattern; and removing the substrate. Accordingly, the superhard material may be selectively deposited in only areas where the superhard material is desired. Vertical GaN-based light emitting devices may then be formed by cutting the semiconductor structure.