Deep reactive ion etching of Si-based materials Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology PlasmaPro 100 (DRIE)
Guarantor:
Marek Eliáš, Ph.D.
Technology / Methodology:
Etching & Deposition
Instrument status:
Operational, 15.12.2025 10:48
Equipment placement:
CEITEC Nano - C1.34
Research group:
CF: CEITEC Nano
Description:
Deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) is a highly anisotropic etch process used to create deep penetration, steep-sided holes, and trenches in wafers/substrates, typically with high aspect ratios. It was developed for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which require these features, but is also used to excavate trenches for high-density capacitors for DRAM and more recently for creating through silicon via´s (TSV)´s in advanced 3D wafer-level packaging technology.
There are two main technologies for high-rate DRIE: cryogenic and Bosch, although the Bosch process is the only recognized production technique. Both Bosch and cryo processes can fabricate 90° (truly vertical) walls, but often the walls are slightly tapered, e.g. 88° („reentrant“) or 92° („retrograde“).
Another mechanism is sidewall passivation: SiOxFy functional groups (which originate from sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen etch gases) condense on the sidewalls and protect them from lateral etching. As a combination of these processes deep vertical structures can be made.
Publications:
-
Brodský, J.; Liu, X.; Jarušek, J.; Migliaccio, L.; Neužil, P.; Zítka, O.; Gablech, I., 2025: Determination of ionic concentration in microfluidics using electrical methods. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A: PHYSICAL 392, p. 1 - 6, doi: 10.1016/j.sna.2025.116719; FULL TEXT
(SUSS-MA8, RIE-FLUORINE, DRIE) -
Liu, X.; Fohlerová, Z.; Gablech, I.; Pumera, M.; Neužil, P., 2024: Nature-inspired parylene/SiO2 core-shell micro-nano pillars: Effect of topography and surface chemistry. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY 37, doi: 10.1016/j.apmt.2024.102117; FULL TEXT
(RIE-FLUORINE, DRIE, PARYLENE-SCS, XEF2) -
Koňařík, L., 2024: Development and fabrication of microelectromechanical systems MEMS. BACHELOR´S THESIS , p. 1 - 46; FULL TEXT
(LASER-DICER, DWL, EVAPORATOR, RIE-FLUORINE, DRIE, NANOCALC, DEKTAK, WIRE-BONDER, LYRA) -
CHMELÍKOVÁ, L.; FECKO, P.; CHMELÍK, J.; SKÁCEL, J.; OTÁHAL, A.; FOHLEROVÁ, Z., 2023: Demolded hollow high aspect-ratio parylene-C micropillars for real-time mechanosensing applications. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY , p. 1 - 12, doi: 10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101736; FULL TEXT
(DRIE, PARYLENE-SCS, SUSS-MA8, XEF2) -
Mahel, V., 2023: Variable MEMS aperture for electron microscopy. MASTER´S THESIS ; FULL TEXT
(DWL, DRIE, DEKTAK, DIENER, WIRE-BONDER)