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Microfabrication of membrane-based devices by deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon

Conference ·
OSTI ID:674597
Deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon was utilized to fabricate dielectric membrane-based devices such as microhotplates, valves and flexural plate wave (FPW) devices. Through-wafer DRIE is characterized by fast etch rates ({approximately} 3 {micro}m/min), crystal orientation independence, vertical sidewall profiles and CMOS compatibility. Low-stress silicon nitride, a popular membrane material, has an appreciable DRIE etch rate. To overcome this limitations DRIE can be accompanied by a brief wet chemical etch. This approach has been demonstrated using KOH or HF/Nitric/Acetic etchants, both of which have significantly lower etch rates on silicon nitride than does DRIE. The DRIE etch properties of composite membranes consisting of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride layers are also under evaluation due to the higher DRIE selectivity to silicon dioxide.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Financial Management and Controller, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
674597
Report Number(s):
SAND--98-1778C; CONF-981108--; ON: DE98007104; BR: YN0100000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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