Abstract
The electrical properties and surface morphology changes of a silicon wafer as a function of the HF concentration as the wafer is etched were studied. The HF concentrations were 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 wt%. The surface morphology changes of the silicon wafer were measured by an SEM ($80^{\circ}$ tilted at ${\times}200$) and the resistivity was measured by assessing the surface resistance using a four-point probe method. The etching rate increased as the HF concentration increased. The maximum etching rate 27.31 ${\mu}m/min$ was achieved at an HF concentration of 36 wt%. A concave wave formed on the wafer after the wet etching process. The size of the wave was largest and the resistivity reached 7.54 $ohm{\cdot}cm$ at an 30 wt% of HF concentration. At an HF concentration of 30 wt%, therefore, a silicon wafer should have good joining strength with a metal backing as well as good electrical properties.