Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystals in AlGaInP/GaInP Membranes by Inductively Coupled Plasma Etching

Abstract

The fabrication process of two-dimensional photonic crystals in an AlGaInP/GaInP multi-quantum-well membrane structure is developed. The process includes high resolution electron-beam lithography, pattern transfer into SiO₂ etch mask by reactive ion etching, pattern transfer through AlGaInP/GaInP layer by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching and a selective undercut wet etch to create the freestanding membrane. The chlorine-based ICP etching conditions are optimized to achieve a vertical sidewall. The photonic crystal structures with periods of a=160-480nm are produced.