A new technique for optimizing orientation dependent etching of silicon: Process and method

Abstract

Isotropic and anisotropic etching have been used in silicon processing for the past few decades. However, optimization and adaptation of anisotropic etching to standard I.C. fabrication is a more recent technology. This paper describes new methods for process and material optimization in Orientation and Concentration dependent etching of the (1 0 0) plane in silicon. Furthermore, methods of oxide and nitride pinhole detection in (1 0 0) planes in silicon are presented. New mask alignment techniques to obtain an accurate etch front termination in silicon are also shown.