Processing of GaN/Si(111) Epitaxial Structures for MEMS Applications

Two different approaches for the etching of the gallium nitride epitaxial layers grown on Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy have been elaborated. It is demonstrated that anisotropic etch profiles can be achieved by both photoenhanced wet chemical etching and reactive plasma-chemical etching methods. Moreover, it is shown, that the photoenhanced wet chemical etching allows to remove GaN layer without damaging silicon substrate.