A light source includes an epitaxial layer stack that includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer. The epitaxial layer stack includes a two-dimensional (2-D) array of mesa structures formed therein. The light source further includes an array of p-contacts electrically coupled to the p-type semiconductor layer of the 2-D array of mesa structures, a metal layer in regions surrounding individual mesa structures of the 2-D array of mesa structures, and a plurality of n-contacts coupling the metal layer to the n-type semiconductor layer at a plurality of locations between the individual mesa structures of the 2-D array of mesa structures.