Characterization of AlGaN/GaN cantilevers fabricated with deep-release techniques

In this article, integrated AlGaN/GaN cantilevers on (111) silicon substrate are fabricated and characterized. The process started with AlGaN/GaN HEMTs fabrication followed by a series of dry-etch-only MEMS process. To characterize the residual stress distribution, Micro-Raman spectroscopy is used and the residual stress in suspended GaN cantilever is found ∼ 90% lower after releasing. A type of micro-bending test is used to characterize the piezoresponse of AlGaN/GaN HEMT on the GaN cantilever. An output current modulation greater than 20% can be observed when the cantilever is vertically downward deflected ∼ 30 μm. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications