All-dry processing of 3C-SiC nanomechanical string resonators for extreme aspect ratios and high intrinsic quality factor
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Conventional fabrication of suspended nanomechanical resonators typically relies on wet-chemical process steps and critical point drying, which can compromise sample yield and cleanliness. Here, we present an all-dry fabrication process for strongly stressed 3C-SiC nanomechanical string resonators that entirely avoids wet-chemical etching and cleaning. Using a negative-tone electron-beam resist as an etch mask and a three-step reactive-ion etching process for both structuring and release, we achieve high fabrication yield, clean suspended structures, and extreme aspect ratios of 8.500. We perform full mechanical characterization of the resulting doubly-clamped nanostring resonators, and establish a benchmark intrinsic quality factor for dissipation-diluted 3C-SiC of Qintr = 4.200.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Institution: Technical University of Munich
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7207638734