• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.234-238
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• 2005

Effects of plasma composition, ion flux and ion energy on the etch rate, surface morphology and near surface stoichiometry of a single crystalline $La_3Ga_5SiO_{14}$ wafer have been examined in $Cl_2/Ar$ inductively coupled plasma (ICP) discharges. Maximum etch rate ${\sim}1600{\AA}/min$ was achieved either at relatively high source power $({\sim}1000W)$ or high $Cl_2$ content conditions in $Cl_2/Ar$ discharges. The etched surfaces showed similar or better RMS roughness values than those of the unetched control sample and the near surface stoichiometry was found not to be affected by ICP etching.