Method for etching a semiconductor method for fabricating semiconductor device method for fabricating semiconductor laser and semiconductor laser

摘要

A method of etching a III-V compound semiconductor uses an etching gas including the group V element of the III-V compound semiconductor substrate layer while keeping the III-V compound semiconductor layer at a temperature higher than the crystal growth temperature of the III-V compound semiconductor. Etching using this method provides a higher degree of controllability than wet etching. In addition, because no etching solution is employed, the etching method can be employed in a crystal growth apparatus. Further, because an element of the III-V compound semiconductor layer is employed in the etching gas, incorporation of residual impurities can be prevented, keeping the etched surface clean.