Quantum sensing using Type II InAs/GaSb superlattice for infrared detection

Abstract Large, regular arrays of bulk GaSb and InAs/GaSb Type II superlattice pillars have been fabricated by electron beam lithography and dry etching. A 2.5 keV electron beam lithography system and metal evaporation are used to form the Au mask on superlattice and bulk substrates. Dry etching of these materials has been developed with BCl 3 :Ar, CH 4 :H 2 :Ar and cyclic CH 4 :H 2 :Ar/O 2 plasmas. Etch temperatures were varied from 20 to 150 °C. The diameter of the superlattice pillars was below 50 nm with regular 200 nm spacing. Bulk GaSb pillars were etched with diameters below 20 nm. Areas of dense nanopillars as large as 500 μm×500 μm were fabricated. The best height/diameter aspect ratio was approximately 10:1. To date, these are the smallest diameter III–V superlattice pillar structures reported, and the first nanopillars in the InAs/GaSb material system. The basic theory of these devices and surface passivation with SiO 2 and Si 3 N 4 thin films has also been discussed.