Compound semiconductors

Why is care needed when handling GaAs wafer processing debris and waste?

  1. ABecause it contains radioactive substances
  2. BBecause it contains arsenic and must be properly managed and treated as a hazardous substance
  3. CBecause it explodes on contact with air
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Because it contains arsenic and must be properly managed and treated as a hazardous substance

GaAs contains toxic arsenic, so dust and waste liquid from grinding and polishing, as well as discarded wafers, must be properly managed and treated according to regulations. Local exhaust ventilation and similar measures are also used to prevent worker exposure.

Practice this topic Back to topic

More Compound semiconductors questions

  1. Why is GaN well suited to high-frequency, high-power transistors?
  2. What is one main reason SiC is used as the substrate for GaN HEMTs?
  3. Which material is mainly used in the light-emitting layer of deep-ultraviolet LEDs, such as those for sterilization?
  4. Which is a characteristic of multi-junction solar cells, which stack several compound semiconductor layers with different band gaps?
  5. Which impurity is typically used to make p-type layers in GaN?