Vertical and bevel-structured SiC etching techniques incorporating different gas mixture plasmas for various microelectronic applications.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a detailed fabrication method, together with validation, discussion, and analysis, for state-of-the-art silicon carbide (SiC) etching of vertical and bevelled structures by using inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) for microelectronic applications. Applying different gas mixtures, a maximum bevel angle of 87° (almost vertical), large-angle bevels ranging from 40° to 80°, and small-angel bevels ranging from 7° to 17° were achieved separately using distinct gas mixtures at different ratios. We found that SF₆ with additive O₂ was effective for vertical etching, with a best etching rate of 3050?Å/min. As for the large-angle bevel structures, BCl₃?+?N₂ gas mixtures show better characteristics, exhibiting a controllable and large etching angle range from 40° to 80° through the adjustment of the mixture ratio. Additionally, a Cl₂?+?O₂ mixture at different ratios is applied to achieve a small-angel bevels ranging from 7° to 17°. A minimum bevel angel of approximately 7° was achieved under the specific volume of 2.4 sccm Cl₂ and 3.6 sccm O₂. These results can be used to improve performance in various microelectronic applications including MMIC via holes, PIN diodes, Schottky diodes, JFETs' bevel mesa, and avalanche photodiode fabrication.

SUBMITTER: Sung HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5478634 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature