Determination of precise crystallographic directions for mask alignment in wet bulk micromachining for MEMS

Singh, S S and Pal, Prem and Pandey, Ashok Kumar and Xing, Y and Sato, K (2016) Determination of precise crystallographic directions for mask alignment in wet bulk micromachining for MEMS. Micro and Nano Systems Letters, 4 (5). pp. 1-29. ISSN 2213-9621

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Abstract

In wet bulk micromachining, the etching characteristics are orientation dependent. As a result, prolonged etching of mask openings of any geometric shape on both Si{100} and Si{110} wafers results in a structure defined by the slowest etching planes. In order to fabricate microstructures with high dimensional accuracy, it is vital to align the mask edges along the crystal directions comprising of these slowest etching planes. Thus, precise alignment of mask edges is important in micro/nano fabrication. As a result, the determination of accurate crystal directions is of utmost importance and is in fact the first step to ensure dimensionally accurate microstructures for improved performance. In this review article, we have presented a comprehensive analysis of different techniques to precisely determine the crystallographic directions. We have covered various techniques proposed in the span of more than two decades to determine the crystallographic directions on both Si{100} and Si{110} wafers. Apart from a detailed discussion of each technique along with their design and implementation, we have provided a critical analysis of the associated constraints, benefits and shortcomings. We have also summed up the critical aspects of each technique and presented in a tabular format for easy reference for readers. This review article comprises of an exhaustive discussion and is a handy reference for researchers who are new in the field of wet anisotropic etching or who want to get abreast with the techniques of determination of crystal directions.

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IITH Creators:
IITH CreatorsORCiD
Pal, PremUNSPECIFIED
Pandey, Ashok KumarUNSPECIFIED
Item Type: Article
Subjects: Physics > Mechanical and aerospace
Divisions: Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Department of Physics
Depositing User: Team Library
Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2016 06:18
Last Modified: 10 Nov 2017 05:48
URI: http://raiithold.iith.ac.in/id/eprint/2468
Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40486-016-0027-5
OA policy: http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/2213-9621/
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