Optimization of KOH etching process for MEMS square diaphragm using response surface method
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet etching is widely used in realizing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) diaphragm due to its low cost, safe and easy handling. However, a variety of etching parameters such as etchant concentration, temperature, mask size and etching time need to be optimized thoroughly in order to save the time and costs of the etching process. This paper presents the numerical study and optimization of KOH etching process parameters using the response surface method (RSM) to realize the desired shape and size of MEMS diaphragm. Face central composite design (FCC) of RSM was employed as the experimental design to analyze the result and generate a mathematical prediction model. From the analysis, the temperature was identified as the most significant process parameter that affects the etching rate, thus affecting the thickness and size of the diaphragm. The results of RSM prediction for optimization were applied in this study. Particularly, 45% of KOH concentration, temperature of 80°C, 1735 µm2 of mask size, and 7.2 hours of etching time were implemented to obtain a square MEMS diaphragm with thickness of 120 µm and size of 1200 µm2. The results of RSM based optimization method for KOH wet etching offers a quick and effective method for realizing a desired MEMS devices.
Keywords
KOH etching, wet etching, response surface method, etching process optimization
Divisions
fac_eng
Funders
GUP-2017-031 grant
Publication Title
Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Volume
15
Issue
1
Publisher
Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science