Formation of nanoscale columnar structures in silicon by a maskless reactive ion etching process
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 (Canada)
We describe a maskless reactive ion etching process that employs CF{sub 4} gas plasma to create nanoscale structures in silicon. Process conditions are controlled to produce pillars of up to 2 {mu}m tall and less than 50 nm wide. The contributing mechanisms are discussed based on the trends observed for varying plasma conditions. Higher pressures or lower self-bias voltages result in pyramidal structures. Lower pressure and higher voltage result in needlelike structures that resemble silicon wires. By carefully controlling the automasking process mechanism, columnar silicon structures were reproducibly formed with good uniformity all over the wafer. The regularity of the fabricated structures, process controllability, and process compatibility of dry etching are promising for potential photonic and optoelectronic applications.
- OSTI ID:
- 20777195
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, International Journal Devoted to Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films, Vol. 24, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1116/1.2167974; (c) 2006 American Vacuum Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1553-1813
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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