Advanced Materials for Electronics

IRON OXIDE MASK ETCHANTS

Iron Oxide Mask Etchants are recommended for generating patterns used as electron resist masks or as semi-transparent see-thru masks on glass for photoresist imaging in the manufacture of photomasks or microelectronic devices. The fabrication of solid state devices depends heavily on the use of photolithography for definition of patterns. The current technique using ferric oxide see-thru masks represents the best choice when employed with a suitable etchant. Iron Oxide Mask Etchants ME-10, ME-30, and 9028 provide a range of options. The Ferric oxide see-thru mask on glass allows simple alignment and smaller geometries, now requisite for the micro-electronics industry. With ferric oxide masks, unwanted light is absorbed, rather than reflected, as with chromium masks. Halation effects are therefore minimized. In addition, ferric oxide masks offer much lower pinhole density, particularly important in large scale integration. The etch rates are somewhat variable with the thermal history of ferric oxide. At high heat, Fe2O3 becomes insoluble in dilute acids. CVD material produced at over 180°C exhibits insolubility. Therefore, for ease of etching, the temperature of formation of Fe2O3 film should be less than 160°C. To provide control in mask-making, a thickness of 2000 A +/- 200 A is recommended.

PROPERTIES

Property ME-10 ME-30 9028
Appearance LIGHT GREEN COLORLESS LIGHT GREEN
Etch Rate, 22°C 50 A/SEC 25 A/SEC 100 A/SEC
Rinse WATER WATER WATER
Shelf Life 6 MONTHS 1 YEAR 1 YEAR
Resist NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE
Pinhole Density ZERO DEFECTS >0 ZERO DEFECTS
Resolution < 1μ <1μ

APPLICATION:

Use standard photo-lithographic techniques for imaging and pattern formation; then follow recommended etch procedure:
I. Immerse ferric oxide-coated plates in etchant @ 22°C.
II. Provide mild mechanical agitation or solution movement.
III. After complete removal of exposed oxide film, rinse in water bath.
IV. Initial equipment clean with Automatic Processor Cleaner APC-582.