Abstract
In this paper, the etching of Au films using photoresist masks on Si substrates was investigated using a capacitively coupled plasma etch reactor. The advantages of plasma etch techniques over current methods for Au metalization include the ability to simplify the metalization process flow with respect to resist lift-off schemes, and the ability to cleanly remove etched material without sidewall redeposition, as is seen in ion milling. The etch properties were measured for different gas mixing ratios of CF4/Ar, and chamber pressures while the other conditions were fixed. According to statistical design of experiment (DOE), etching process of Au films was characterized and also 20 samples were fabricated followed by measuring etch rate, selectivity and etch profile. There is a chemical reaction between CF4 and Au. Au- F is hard to remove from the surface because of its high melting point. The etching products can be sputtered by Ar ion bombardment.