Room-Temperature Bonding of Si Wafers to Pt Films on SiO2 or LiNbO3 Substrates Using Ar-Beam Surface Activation

We have developed a method to bond Si wafers to Pt films on SiO2 or LiNbO3 substrates at room temperature. Ar beam etching is used to remove contaminants from the surfaces of the Si wafers and the Pt films, and the surfaces become activated. Strong bonding between Si and Pt is achieved without any heat treatment. Low-temperature chemical reaction between Si and Pt is assumed to play a role in the bonding process. This method enables the integration of diverse materials. Many applications of Pt film buried between two wafers are also expected.