Chemical routes to GaAs etching with low-energy ion beams

Abstract
The interaction of halogens on GaAs surfaces lies at the heart of a whole host of dry-etching methods. This paper considers the adsorption characteristics of chlorine on GaAs(100)(4*1) and the effect of low-energy ion bombardment on the chemisorbed states formed. The results are discussed in relation to ultra-low damage and low contamination chemically assisted ion beam etching (CAIBE) processes.