Focal plane arrays mesastructures formation by ion-beam etching

The results of investigation of profiles formed by ion-beam etching of semiconductor structures through a photolithographic mask are presented. The minimum dimensions of unmasked regions on the surfaces of two studied structures are 2 and 5 μm, respectively. It is demonstrated that the etching rate reduces with reduction in the width of the unmasked gap. The effect of reflection of the ion beam from vertical walls formed during etching may be used for fabrication of submicron separating mesaregions.