Inductively-coupled-plasma reactive ion etching of single-crystal β-Ga₂O₃

Abstract

Dry etching behavior of unintentionally-doped β-Ga2O3 has been studied in a BCl3/Ar chemistry using inductively-coupled-plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE). The effects of various etch parameters like ICP and RIE powers, BCl3/Ar gas ratio and chamber pressure on etch rate are studied systematically. Higher ICP, RIE powers and lower pressure conditions are found to enhance the etch rate. A synergic etching mechanism between chemical and physical components is proposed and used to obtain fast Ga2O3 etch rates more than 160 nm/min, nearly-vertical sidewalls and smooth etched surfaces. The findings of this work will enable Ga2O3 vertical devices for power electronics.