Various embodiments of a thermal energy transfer apparatus that removes thermal energy from a light-emitting device are described. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a silicon-based base plate and a silicon-based cover element disposed on the base plate. The base plate includes a recess to receive a light-emitting device therein. The base plate is coated with a first electrically-conductive pattern that forms a first electrode. The base plate is further coated with a second electrically-conductive pattern that is electrically isolated from the first electrically-conductive pattern. The cover element holds the light-emitting device between the base plate and the cover element with at least a portion of a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device exposed. The cover element is coated with a third electrically-conductive pattern that is in contact with the second electrically-conductive pattern to form a second electrode when the cover element is disposed on the base plate.