An LED unit ( 20 ) having increased light output. The LED unit ( 20 ) includes a submount substrate ( 22 ) having a cavity ( 24 ). An LED chip ( 30 ) is electrically mounted within the cavity ( 24 ) and a phosphor layer ( 34 ) is deposited in the cavity ( 24 ) that converts blue light from the LED chip ( 30 ) into white light suitable for a vehicle headlight ( 10 ). The walls of the cavity ( 24 ) are metalized ( 40 ) to increase the light output intensity. In one embodiment, a clear protective layer ( 46 ) is deposited in the cavity ( 24 ) over the phosphor layer ( 34 ).
