• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.08a
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• pp.319-320
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• 2012

Large aperture optical modulator called optical shutter is a key component to realize time-of-flight (TOF) based three dimensional (3D) imaging systems [1-2]. The transmission type electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is a prime candidate for 3D imaging systems due to its advantages such as small size, high modulation performance [3], and ease of forming two dimensional (2D) array over large area [4]. In order to use the EAM for 3D imaging systems, it is crucial to remove GaAs substrate over large area so as to obtain high uniformity modulation performance at 850 nm. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate techniques for backside etching of GaAs substrate over a large area having high uniformity. Various methods such as lapping and polishing, dry etching for anisotropic etching, and wet etching ([20%] C6H8O7 : H2O2 = 5:1) for high selectivity backside etching [5] are employed. A high transmittance of 80% over the large aperture area ($5{\times}5mm^2$) can be obtained with good uniformity through optimized backside etching method. These results reveal that the proposed methods for backside etching can etch the substrate over a large area with high uniformity, and the EAM fabricated by using backside etching method is an excellent candidate as optical shutter for 3D imaging systems.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.08a
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• pp.220-220
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• 2013

Surface-normal transmission electro-absorption modulator (EAM) are attractive for high-definition (HD) three-dimensional (3D) imaging application due to its features such as small system volume and simple epitaxial structure [1,2]. However, EAM in order to be used for HD 3D imaging system requires uniform modulation performance over large area. To achieve highly uniform modulation performance of EAM at the operating wavelength of 850 nm, it is extremely important to remove the GaAs substrate over large area since GaAs material has high absorption coefficient below 870 nm which corresponds to band-edge energy of GaAs (1.424 eV). In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a transmission EAM in which highly selective backside etching methods which include lapping, dry etching and wet etching is carried out to remove the GaAs substrate for achieving highly uniform modulation performance. First, lapping process on GaAs substrate was carried out for different lapping speeds (5 rpm, 7 rpm, 10 rpm) and the thickness was measured over different areas of surface. For a lapping speed of 5 rpm, a highly uniform surface over a large area ($2{\times}1\;mm^2$) was obtained. Second, optimization of inductive coupled plasma-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) was carried out to achieve anisotropy and high etch rate. The dry etching carried out using a gas mixture of SiCl4 and Ar, each having a flow rate of 10 sccm and 40 sccm, respectively with an RF power of 50 W, ICP power of 400 W and chamber pressure of 2 mTorr was the optimum etching condition. Last, the rest of GaAs substrate was successfully removed by highly selective backside wet etching with pH adjusted solution of citric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Citric acid/hydrogen peroxide etching solution having a volume ratio of 5:1 was the best etching condition which provides not only high selectivity of 235:1 between GaAs and AlAs but also good etching profile [3]. The fabricated transmission EAM array have an amplitude modulation of more than 50% at the bias voltage of -9 V and maintains high uniformity of >90% over large area ($2{\times}1\;mm^2$). These results show that the fabricated transmission EAM with substrate removed is an excellent candidate to be used as an optical shutter for HD 3D imaging application.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Telematics and Electronics A
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• v.30A no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 1993

A via-hole process for reproducible and reliable GaAs MMIC fabrication is described. The via-hole etching process consists of two step dry etching. During the first etching step a BC $I_{3}$/C $I_{2}$/Ar gas mixure is used to achieve high etch rate and small lateral etching. In the second etching step. CC $L_{2}$ $F_{2}$ gas is used to achieve selective etching of the GaAs substrate with respect to the front side metal layer. Via holes are formed from the backside of a 100$\mu$m thick GaAs substrate that has been evaporated initially with 500.angs. thick chromium and subsequently a 2000.angs. thick gold layer. The fabricated via holes are electroplated with gold (~20$\mu$m thick) to form via connections. The results show that established via-hole process is satisfactory for GaAs MMIC fabrication.