A light emitting device and method for making the same is disclosed. The light-emitting device includes an active layer sandwiched between a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer. The active layer emits light when holes from the p-type semiconductor layer combine with electrons from the n-type semiconductor layer therein. The active layer includes a number of sub-layers and has a plurality of pits in which the side surfaces of a plurality of the sub-layers are in contact with the p-type semiconductor material such that holes from the p-type semiconductor material are injected into those sub-layers through the exposed side surfaces without passing through another sub-layer. The pits can be formed by utilizing dislocations in the n-type semiconductor layer and etching the active layer using an etching atmosphere in the same chamber used to deposit the semiconductor layers without removing the partially fabricated device.