There is provided a solid state light emitting device comprising at least one light emitting active layer structure and at least one structure selected from among: (1) a first element having at least a first region which has an index of refraction gradient, (2) a first element, at least a portion of which has an index of refraction which is lower than an index of refraction of a side of the active layer, (3) first and second elements, in which one side of the second element is positioned on a side of the active layer and the first element is positioned on the other side of the second element, and in which at least a portion of the first element has an index of refraction which is lower than the index of refraction of at least a portion of the second element. Also provided are methods of making such devices.