A light source (10) includes a light emitting component (32), such as a UV/blue light emitting diode or laser diode. A layer (62, 162, 262, 362) of a phosphor material is spaced from the light emitting component by a layer (60, 160, 260, 360) of a material which is transmissive to the light emitted by the light emitting component. The phosphor material converts a portion of the light emitted by the light emitting component to light of a longer wavelength such as yellow light. In a preferred embodiment, the light transmissive layer valise in thickness over the light emitting component so that the phosphor is spaced further from the diode in regions where the emission is higher. This increases the Surface area of the phosphor in these regions and minimizes the effects of overheating and saturation on the phosphor emission.