Etching SnO2 Thin Films: Advice Needed

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    Etching Thin films
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on etching SnO2 thin films, highlighting the ineffectiveness of wet etching methods using 5% HCl, NH4Cl, and HF. Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) with CHF3/Ar was attempted, yielding a slow etching rate of 1-2 nm/min, despite varying RF plasma power between 100 to 200 W and adjusting gas ratios. Participants suggest exploring concentrated alkali solutions like NaOH or KOH for improved etching results, emphasizing the inert nature of SnO2.

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  • Understanding of SnO2 thin film properties
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  • Experience with plasma power adjustments in etching
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  • Research the effects of concentrated NaOH and KOH on SnO2 etching
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dtgiang
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Please, give me some advices on how to etch SnO2 thin films.
For wet etching, I tried HCl (5%), NH3Cl, and HF. They seem to not etch SnO2 or the time I put the SnO2 in the solution was too short (<5 mins).
I used RIE with CHF3/Ar to etch SnO2. The RIE worked but the etching rate was so slow, 1-2 nm/mins. I tried to increase the RF plasma power 100, 150, 200 W and the CHF3/Ar gas ratios but the etching rate seemed to be the same.
Many thanks in advance.
 
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Maybe you should have a look at a chemistry book, like Gmelin?
SnO2 is very inert. Maybe you could try some concentrated alkali solutions (NaOH or KOH).
 
Thanks DrDu.

If you have some experiences in etching SnO2 with NaOH/KOH, could you, please, share your experiences or give me some literature on that?

Regards,
 

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