A light emitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having a first surface, and an active region formed overlying the first semiconductor layer. The active region includes a second semiconductor layer which is either a quantum well layer or a barrier layer. The second semiconductor layer is formed from a semiconductor alloy having a composition graded in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the first semiconductor layer. The light emitting device also includes a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed overlying the active region.