Light emitting devices and substrates with improved plating

1. A light emitting device comprising:

a copper (Cu) substrate;

a first metallic layer comprising a reflective metal disposed over the Cu substrate for increasing brightness of the device, wherein the first metallic layer comprises silver (Ag);

a second metallic layer disposed between the Cu substrate and the first metallic layer for forming a diffusion barrier therebetween, wherein the second metallic layer contacts portions of the Cu substrate and the first metallic layer; and

one or more light emitting diode (LED) chips disposed over the Cu substrate,

wherein the Cu substrate comprises one or more electrically conductive traces and a conductive pad over which the first and second metallic layers are disposed, wherein a pap is disposed between the one or more electrically conductive traces and the conductive pad, wherein the gap between the conductive pad and the one or more electrically conductive traces is smaller in width than a second gap between portions of the first and second metallic layers disposed over each of the conductive pad and the one or more electrically conductive traces.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second metallic layer comprises electroless nickel (Ni).

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second metallic layers are disposed over a vertical edge portion of the conductive pad or the one or more electrically conductive traces.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a layer of non-metallic reflective material disposed over and contacting a portion of the first metallic layer.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the non-metallic reflective material comprises solder mask.

6. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a layer of solder mask disposed over a portion of the second metallic layer.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein a retention material is disposed around the one or more LED chips.

8. The device of claim 7 , wherein an encapsulant filling material is disposed within an inner wall of the retention material.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein one or more phosphors are disposed in the encapsulant.

10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a ceramic substrate over which the Cu substrate is disposed.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein one or more conductive vias are disposed through the ceramic substrate and electrically communicate with the Cu substrate.

12. The device of claim 10 , further comprising a lens disposed over the one or more LED chips.

13. A light emitting device comprising:

a copper (Cu) substrate comprising one or more electrically conductive traces and a conductive pad over which first and second metallic layers are disposed;

the first metallic layer comprising a reflective metal disposed over the Cu substrate for increasing brightness of the device;

the second metallic layer disposed between the Cu substrate and the first metallic layer for forming a diffusion barrier therebetween, wherein the second metallic layer contacts portions of the Cu substrate and the first metallic layer; and

one or more light emitting diode (LED) chips disposed over the Cu substrate;

wherein a first gap is disposed between the one or more electrically conductive traces and the conductive pad, and wherein the first gap between the conductive pad and the one or more electrically conductive traces is smaller in width than a second gap between portions of the first and second metallic layers disposed over each of the conductive pad and the one or more electrically conductive traces.