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Temperature dependent electron cyclotron resonance etching of InP, GaP, and GaAs

Journal Article · · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, A
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.580276· OSTI ID:284656
;  [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (United States)
  2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 (United States)
  3. Department of Physics, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849 (United States)

Electron cyclotron resonance etching of InP, GaP, and GaAs in Ar, Ar/Cl{sub 2}, Ar/Cl{sub 2}/H{sub 2}, and Ar/Cl{sub 2}/H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} plasmas is reported for substrate temperatures from 10 to 170{degree}C. Etch rates increased as a function of temperature for GaP and GaAs in an Ar/Cl{sub 2} plasma. With the addition of H{sub 2} or H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} to the plasma, the GaP and GaAs etch rates decreased and were essentially temperature independent. In comparison, InP etch rates showed a strong temperature dependence regardless of plasma chemistry. At 170{degree}C, InP etch rates were greater than GaP and GaAs in the Ar/Cl{sub 2}/H{sub 2} and Ar/Cl{sub 2}/H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} plasmas. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the root-mean-square roughness of the etched surfaces. The etched surface morphology for InP was strongly dependent on temperature and plasma chemistry while smooth pattern transfer was obtained for a wide range of plasma conditions for GaAs and GaP. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Vacuum Society}

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
284656
Report Number(s):
CONF-9510385--
Journal Information:
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, A, Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, A Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 14; ISSN 0734-2101; ISSN JVTAD6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English