Novel Fabrication Method of Si Nanostructures Using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) Field-Enhanced Oxidation and Anisotropic Wet Chemical Etching

Abstract

We have demonstrated a novel method of fabricating Si nanostructures. Based on a combination of atomic force microscope (AFM) field-enhanced oxidation and anisotropic wet chemical etching, Si nanostructures with a minimum width of 50 nm are successfully obtained within the intended area with precise alignment. Overlay patterning followed by AFM field-enhanced oxidation is carried out with high accuracy. It is confirmed that the field-enhanced oxide line with a thickness of at least about 3 nm can act as an mask against anisotropic wet chemical etching. This method enables the realization of sub-10 nm Si nanostructures.