Realization of depth reference samples with surfaces amplitudes between 0.1 nm and 5 nm

Abstract

A new approach for the realization of depth reference samples is presented. By a combination of photolithography, reactive ion beam etching, surface planarization with photoresists and a subsequent coating with non-transparent materials, defined sinusoidal surface profiles are generated which can be used as depth references for the comparison and calibration of different surface profile measurements. The smallest realized surface amplitudes are in the range of less than 0.1 nm.