Etching of GaN layers at electrolysis under UV-irradiation

Etching of the GaN layers in 1M KOH aqua solution under irradiation was studied by the electro-stimulated photolysis using N2-laser (337 nm, 60 W/m2) as a light source. It was observed that the size and the depth of the failure monotonically depend on the optical power and the irradiation time of the N2 laser and the GaN layer type of conductivity. The GaN layers etching rate was evaluated. A mechanism of the failure in the n-GaN layers is discussed.