Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Significant improvements of a previously reported etching process [1] for Hg1−xCdxTe have been achieved with respect to etch rate, surface morphology and surface stoichiometry by optimization of the process parameters. The gas phase and surface reactions driving the etching process have been analyzed by combined optical and electrical characterization of the plasma and surface analyses of the samples. A reaction scheme is suggested which allows to model and upscale the process in a consistent manner.