Lithographic sonication patterning of large area nanopillar forests

Published

July 27, 2017

Author(s)

Joel C. Weber, Matthew D. Brubaker, Thomas M. Wallis, Kristine A. Bertness

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a highly-scalable, material-independent method for patterning nanopillar forests known as lithographic sonication patterning. Through contact lithography, patterns with dimensions down to 3 υm were written across a 3-inch silicon wafer with a gallium nitride nanopillar forest grown through molecular beam epitaxy. Standard, ultraviolet lithography techniques are used to define a photoresist mask that protects covered nanopillars. Exposed nanopillars are removed via local cavitation in a deionized water ultrasonic bath. Sonication strips nanopillars 100 nm from their base, thus enabling further processing steps, including metal evaporation and substrate etching. As an example application, a four-point conductivity test device is demonstrated, where lithographic sonication patterning enables smooth, ohmic contacts and successful dry etching of the silicon device layer. This method is compatible with commonly available cleanroom tools and provides a readily available alternative to more complicated fabrication approaches, such as selective nanopillar growth and.

Citation

Microelectronic Engineering

Volume

181

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

nanopillar, nanowire, sonication, lithography, patterning, fabrication

Citation

Weber, J. , Brubaker, M. , Wallis, T. and Bertness, K. (2017), Lithographic sonication patterning of large area nanopillar forests, Microelectronic Engineering (Accessed May 6, 2026)

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