--- title: Protecting key device features during wet-etch processing description: Discusses new relevance of wet etching for device fabrication and methods of protecting delicate device circuitry during wet-etch processing. image: https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/file-14394981-png/images/screen_shot_2012-01-16_at_3.16.34_pm.png --- [![BrewerScienceLogo-Horizontal.png](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BrewerHorizontal-White.png?width=1330&name=BrewerHorizontal-White.png "BrewerScienceLogo-Horizontal.png")](https://blog.brewerscience.com) - [Research](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/) - [Overview](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/overview/) - [Patents](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/patents/) - [Publications](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/patents/) - [Processing Theories](https://www.brewerscience.com/processing-theories/spin-coat/) - [Trademarks](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/trademarks/) - [Products](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/) - [Protective Coatings](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/protective-coatings/) - [Alkaline Protective Coatings](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/protek-b3/) - [Photosensitive Protective coatings](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/protek-psb/) - [Wafer-Level Packaging](https://www.brewerscience.com/product-categories/wafer-level-packaging/) - [Bonding Materials](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/brewerbond-materials/) - [Debonding Materials](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/debonding-technologies/) - [Lithography](https://www.brewerscience.com/product-categories/lithography/) - [Anti-reflective Coatings](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/arc/) - [Directed Self-Assembly](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/directed-self-assembly/) - [Multilayer Systems](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/multilayer/) - [Printed Electronics](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/printed-sensor-systems/) - [Flex Sensors](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/inflect-flex-sensor/) - [Moisture Sensors](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/inflect-moisture-sensor/) - [Thermistor](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/inflect-thermistor/) - [Manufacturing](https://www.brewerscience.com/manufacturing/) - [Support](https://www.brewerscience.com/support/) - [About Us](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/) - [Executive Advisory Board](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/executive-advisory-board/) - [Quality, Environmental and Safety](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/environmental-safety/) - [Privacy](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/privacy/) - [Company](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/company/) - [What We Do](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/what-we-do/) - [Community Giving](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/community-giving/) - [Locations](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/locations/) - [Awards](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/awards/) - [Partnerships](https://www.brewerscience.com/about-us/partnerships/) - [News](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/) - [Events](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/events/) - [Press Releases](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/press-releases/) - [Videos](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/videos/) - [Ebooks](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/ebooks/) - [Blog](https://www.brewerscience.com/newsroom/blog/) Search this site on Google Search Google # Blog Filter by Category [show all](https://blog.brewerscience.com/) [Wafer-Level Packaging](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wafer-level-packaging) [Lithography](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/lithography) [New Business Developement](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/new-business-developement) [Company](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/company) [Other](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/other) Filter by Category - [Show All](https://blog.brewerscience.com/) ### Posts by Topic - [company (22)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/company) - [Brewer Science (21)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/brewer-science) - [wafer-level packaging (20)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wafer-level-packaging) - [other (19)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/other) - [lithography (15)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/lithography) - [sensors (13)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/sensors) - [STEM (9)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/stem) - [Technology (8)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/technology) - [innovation (7)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/innovation) - [DSA (6)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/dsa) - [Internet of Things (6)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/internet-of-things) - [new business developement (6)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/new-business-developement) - [printed electronics (6)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/printed-electronics) - [Directed Self-Assembly (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/directed-self-assembly) - [Internships (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/internships) - [Science, (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/science) - [Sustainability (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/sustainability) - [community (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/community) - [development (5)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/development) - [Engineering (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/engineering) - [Integrated Circuits (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/integrated-circuits) - [Leadership (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/leadership) - [Math (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/math) - [Predictive Maintenance (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/predictive-maintenance) - [coat uniformity (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/coat-uniformity) - [research (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/research) - [technology advancement (4)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/technology-advancement) - [AI (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ai) - [B Corp (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/b-corp) - [Datastream (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/datastream) - [FOWLP (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/fowlp) - [Future Leaders (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/future-leaders) - [GreenCircle Certified (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/greencircle-certified) - [Manufacturing (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/manufacturing) - [Problem Solving (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/problem-solving) - [business (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/business) - [education (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/education) - [moisture sensors (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/moisture-sensors) - [planarization (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/planarization) - [processing equipment (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/processing-equipment) - [quality control (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/quality-control) - [semiconductor manufacturing (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semiconductor-manufacturing) - [semiconductors (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semiconductors) - [spin coat (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spin-coat) - [temporary bonding materials (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/temporary-bonding-materials) - [thin wafer handling (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/thin-wafer-handling) - [wearable electronics (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wearable-electronics) - [zero defects (3)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/zero-defects) - [2017 (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/2017) - [2d (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/2d) - [3D Stacking (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/3d-stacking) - [3D packaging (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/3d-packaging) - [3d (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/3d) - [BrewerBOND (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/brewerbond) - [CS ManTech (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/cs-mantech) - [Children (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/children) - [Convanta (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/convanta) - [Corning (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/corning) - [Creativity (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/creativity) - [DRIE (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/drie) - [Drones (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/drones) - [EUV (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/euv) - [Energy Management (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/energy-management) - [Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/fan-out-wafer-level-packaging) - [IoT (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/iot) - [IotT (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/iott) - [MEMS (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/mems) - [Nanotechnology (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/nanotechnology) - [Potential (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/potential) - [SEMICON Japan (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semicon-japan) - [STEM Jobs (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/stem-jobs) - [TSV (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/tsv) - [Toys (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/toys) - [Walter Barnes (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/walter-barnes) - [Zero Waste to Landfill (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/zero-waste-to-landfill) - [advanced materials (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/advanced-materials) - [advanced packaging (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/advanced-packaging) - [advanced technology (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/advanced-technology) - [advanved lithography (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/advanved-lithography) - [benchtop equipment (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/benchtop-equipment) - [blogs (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/blogs) - [carbon nanotubes (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/carbon-nanotubes) - [cnt (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/cnt) - [culture (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/culture) - [disruptive materials (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/disruptive-materials) - [entrepreneurs (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/entrepreneurs) - [environment (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/environment) - [environmental monitoring (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/environmental-monitoring) - [etch protection (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/etch-protection) - [human resources (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/human-resources) - [inflect sensors (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/inflect-sensors) - [infrastructure management (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/infrastructure-management) - [mems and sensors (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/mems-and-sensors) - [moore's law (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/moores-law) - [multilayer (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/multilayer) - [nanoscience (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/nanoscience) - [nanosensors (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/nanosensors) - [oculus rift (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/oculus-rift) - [olympics (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/olympics) - [quality (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/quality) - [scratch-resistant (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/scratch-resistant) - [spin process (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spin-process) - [spincoat (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spincoat) - [supply chain (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/supply-chain) - [thermal slide debonding (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/thermal-slide-debonding) - [thick-film (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/thick-film) - [wet etching (2)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wet-etching) - [193-nm (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/193-nm) - [2.5d (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/2-5d) - [3-D Stacking (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/3-d-stacking) - [3D printing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/3d-printing) - [Adhesives (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/adhesives) - [Anniversary (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/anniversary) - [Anthem (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/anthem) - [Apogee (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/apogee) - [Arkema (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/arkema) - [Art (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/art) - [Artifical Intelligence (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/artifical-intelligence) - [Becky Rich (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/becky-rich) - [Biometric Sensors (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/biometric-sensors) - [BrewerBOND 220 (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/brewerbond-220) - [Building and Home Automation (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/building-and-home-automation) - [CMOS (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/cmos) - [CSAM (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/csam) - [CTE (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/cte) - [Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/compound-semiconductor-manufacturing) - [Covanta Energy (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/covanta-energy) - [Debonding Process (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/debonding-process) - [Derby (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/derby) - [EfW (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/efw) - [Electronics (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/electronics) - [FHE (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/fhe) - [Farming (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/farming) - [GaN roughening (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/gan-roughening) - [Gartner Hype Scale (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/gartner-hype-scale) - [Gartner Inc. (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/gartner-inc) - [Geothermal (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/geothermal) - [Goals (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/goals) - [Heat (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/heat) - [IMAPs (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/imaps) - [Inflect Moisture Sensor (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/inflect-moisture-sensor) - [IofT (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ioft) - [LED manufacturing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/led-manufacturing) - [Lateral Force (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/lateral-force) - [Medical and Health-Care Systems (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/medical-and-health-care-systems) - [NASA (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/nasa) - [National Chemistry Week (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/national-chemistry-week) - [National Guardsman (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/national-guardsman) - [National Manufacturing Day (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/national-manufacturing-day) - [PLTW (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/pltw) - [Polymers (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/polymers) - [R & D (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/r-d) - [RDL-first (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/rdl-first) - [Rama Puligadda (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/rama-puligadda) - [Ray Kurzweil (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ray-kurzweil) - [SEMI (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semi) - [SEMICON Taiwan (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semicon-taiwan) - [SMC (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/smc) - [SOC Materials (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/soc-materials) - [STEAM (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/steam) - [Scratch-resistant sensors (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/scratch-resistant-sensors) - [Selective Surface Modification (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/selective-surface-modification) - [Semuconductors (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/semuconductors) - [Strategic Materials Conference (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/strategic-materials-conference) - [Temporary Bonding (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/temporary-bonding) - [Thermal Stability (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/thermal-stability) - [Transportation (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/transportation) - [Truck Drivers (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/truck-drivers) - [Vehicle (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/vehicle) - [ZoneBOND (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/zonebond) - [adafruit (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/adafruit) - [analytical group (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/analytical-group) - [anti-reflective coating (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/anti-reflective-coating) - [anti-reflective coatings (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/anti-reflective-coatings) - [arc materials (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/arc-materials) - [arts (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/arts) - [autonomous car (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/autonomous-car) - [back-end processes (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/back-end-processes) - [batteries (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/batteries) - [bureau veritas certifications (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/bureau-veritas-certifications) - [cee (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/cee) - [chemical engineering (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/chemical-engineering) - [chemical stability (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/chemical-stability) - [data logging (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/data-logging) - [debonder (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/debonder) - [debonding (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/debonding) - [debonding materials (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/debonding-materials) - [depth-of-focus (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/depth-of-focus) - [devices (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/devices) - [digitsole (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/digitsole) - [eWLB (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ewlb) - [eco-friendly (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/eco-friendly) - [economics (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/economics) - [embedded wafer-level (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/embedded-wafer-level) - [energy-from-waste (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/energy-from-waste) - [environmental (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/environmental) - [environmental standards (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/environmental-standards) - [etching (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/etching) - [facial recognition (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/facial-recognition) - [fitbit (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/fitbit) - [flexible electronics (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/flexible-electronics) - [flexible sensors (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/flexible-sensors) - [fossil fuel (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/fossil-fuel) - [glass (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/glass) - [grid array (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/grid-array) - [hardmask (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/hardmask) - [higher education (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/higher-education) - [idtechex (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/idtechex) - [industry 4.0 (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/industry-4-0) - [inflect flex sensor (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/inflect-flex-sensor) - [insoluble (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/insoluble) - [integration (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/integration) - [intellectual property (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/intellectual-property) - [inventors day (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/inventors-day) - [landfill (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/landfill) - [laser debonding (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/laser-debonding) - [laser release (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/laser-release) - [law (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/law) - [lithographic (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/lithographic) - [lithographic composition (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/lithographic-composition) - [management (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/management) - [mechanical release (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/mechanical-release) - [media (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/media) - [memory (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/memory) - [multi-layer (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/multi-layer) - [nano technologies (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/nano-technologies) - [optical simulations (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/optical-simulations) - [pebble watch (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/pebble-watch) - [personality traits (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/personality-traits) - [photolithography (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/photolithography) - [pixie scientific (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/pixie-scientific) - [planarized substrates (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/planarized-substrates) - [powerlifting (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/powerlifting) - [process engineer (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/process-engineer) - [prolith (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/prolith) - [protective coatings (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/protective-coatings) - [pure enjoyment (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/pure-enjoyment) - [purification (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/purification) - [quell (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/quell) - [recycling (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/recycling) - [research and development (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/research-and-development) - [rio (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/rio) - [rugby (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/rugby) - [safety (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/safety) - [scientific computing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/scientific-computing) - [silicon wafers (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/silicon-wafers) - [smart manufacturing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/smart-manufacturing) - [smart technology (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/smart-technology) - [smart watches (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/smart-watches) - [sms audio biosport earbuds (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/sms-audio-biosport-earbuds) - [solar energy (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/solar-energy) - [soluble (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/soluble) - [space (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/space) - [spin bowl (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spin-bowl) - [spin coaters (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spin-coaters) - [spin-on carbon (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/spin-on-carbon) - [sports (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/sports) - [square substrate (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/square-substrate) - [substrate size (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/substrate-size) - [surface modification (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/surface-modification) - [temperature sensors (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/temperature-sensors) - [temporary wafer bonding (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/temporary-wafer-bonding) - [trilayer (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/trilayer) - [trilayer resist process (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/trilayer-resist-process) - [ultrathin wafers (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ultrathin-wafers) - [unilayer processing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/unilayer-processing) - [unplugged (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/unplugged) - [wafer problems (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wafer-problems) - [water (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/water) - [wearable devices (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wearable-devices) - [wearable solar (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wearable-solar) - [wireless headphones (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wireless-headphones) - [workplace safety (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/workplace-safety) - [zero landfill (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/zero-landfill) # Protecting key device features during wet-etch processing [Andrew Layton](https://blog.brewerscience.com/author/andrew-layton) Jan 17, 2012 ### Subscribe to Our Blog With the explosion in demand for devices that include features in the tens to hundreds of microns, wet-etching is seeing new relevance. Light-emitting diodes (LED), microfluidic devices, ink-jet printer heads, sensors, and many other devices are being mass produced in semiconductor-fab-like environments. However, these feature sizes often do not demand the precision, of plasma etching, nor can they tolerate the cost. One challenging reality of wet etching is that the entire wafer is exposed to the etchant. To advance the use of such cost-effective batch processing, etch protection schemes must be employed. Brewer Science’s ProTEK® materials are spin-applied polymeric coatings engineered to withstand commonly used etchants, enabling myriad protection strategies. ### Blanket Etch Protection Blanket protection refers to coverage of an entire wafer surface and can even include wafer edge protection. Blanket protection is also discussed in a [previous blog article](https://blog.brewerscience.com/bid/16346/Protecting-front-side-circuitry-during-backside-DRIE-processing) describing its use in deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). ### Patterned Etch Protection Sometimes blanket protection is not needed. It is often desirable to etch specific areas on a wafer surface while protecting others. Photosensitive protective materials, such as ProTEK® PSB coating, address this need. An increasingly common example occurs in the manufacture of high-brightness LEDs (HB LEDs). To improve light extraction, the surface of the light-emitting material is roughened using a harsh wet-etching process. However, other elements of the device (e.g., metal pads) would be damaged during the etch. ![Screen Shot 2012 01 16 at 3.16.34 PM](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/file-14394981-png/images/screen_shot_2012-01-16_at_3.16.34_pm.png) ProTEK® PSB coating can be pattern-exposed and developed to cover only these sensitive elements, and can be subsequently removed without damaging the device. ### Conclusion Processes utilizing the ProTEK® family of materials and processes enable surface etch protection, patterned etch protection, and edge protection. These materials can be used in combination to address a wide range of processing needs, providing lower-cost options to device manufacturers. [DRIE](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/drie), [etch protection](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/etch-protection), [GaN roughening](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/gan-roughening), [wet etching](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wet-etching), [LED manufacturing](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/led-manufacturing) [Planarization: Leveling extreme topography for microelectronics](https://blog.brewerscience.com/bid/80944/Planarization-Leveling-extreme-topography-for-microelectronics) [Supply chain flexibility for 3D device packaging](https://blog.brewerscience.com/blog/bid/81672/supply-chain-flexibility-for-3d-device-packaging) ### About Author ![Default Author Image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/476360/Blog%20Template/Images/default-author-thumbnail.jpg) Andrew Layton Related Posts [![Photosensitive etch mask for creating through-silicon vias (TSVs)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/file-14394404-jpg/images/fig1.jpg) Photosensitive etch mask for creating through-silicon vias (TSVs)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/blog/bid/82907/photosensitive-etch-mask-for-creating-through-silicon-vias-tsvs) [![Protecting front-side circuitry during backside DRIE processing](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/file-14394937-png/images/protek_scratch_resistant_image.png) Protecting front-side circuitry during backside DRIE processing](https://blog.brewerscience.com/blog/bid/16346/protecting-front-side-circuitry-during-backside-drie-processing) - - - - ### Comment ## Subscribe To Blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### contact **Brewer Science, Inc.** 2401 Brewer Dr. Rolla, MO 65401 Call us: ([573)364-0300](tel:+1800123456) ### support At Brewer Science, our customer relationships don’t end when you buy materials and equipment. Because we want to work hand-in-hand to get your processes perfect, we’ve empowered an extensive applications and support team to help with all your processing needs. [SUPPORT@BREWERSCIENCE.COM](mailto:SUPPORT@BREWERSCIENCE.COM) [Locations](https://blog.brewerscience.com/about-us/locations/) ### Recent Posts ### connect with us @ 2018 Brewer Science, inc.