Realization of smooth side profile using diffusion-controlled wet chemical etching for HgTe/(Hg,Cd)Te heterostructures

Abstract We utilize a diffusion-controlled wet chemical etching technique to fabricate microstructures from two-dimensional HgTe/(Hg,Cd)Te-based topological insulators. For this purpose, we employ a KI: I₂: HBr: H₂O-based etchant. Investigation of the side profile of the etched heterostructure reveals that HgTe quantum wells protrude from the layer stack as a result of the different etch rates of the layers. This constraint poses challenges for the study of the transport properties of edge channels in HgTe quantum wells. In order to achieve a smoother side profile, we develop a novel approach to the etching process involving the incorporation of a sacrificial design element in the etch mask. This limits the flow of charge carriers to the ions in the electrolyte during the etching process. The simplicity of the method coupled with the promising results achieved thereby should make it possible for the new approach introduced here to be applied to other semiconductor heterostructures.