Light emitting element and reflective-type encoder

A light emitting element comprising:

• a substrate;
• a mesa portion formed on the substrate and including an active layer that generates light, a first semiconductor layer disposed on a side of the substrate with respect to the active layer, and a second semiconductor layer disposed on a side opposite to the substrate with respect to the active layer;
• a metal layer including a first part disposed on a top surface of the mesa portion and electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer and a second part formed integrally with the first part and extending along a side surface of the mesa portion;
• an insulating layer formed at least on the side surface of the mesa portion;
• and
• a resin layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein
• the first part includes a region formed with a light passage opening through which the light passes and a region for external connection, and
• the second part is formed on the side surface of the mesa portion via the insulating layer and the resin layer and overlaps at least the active layer when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the substrate.