Fabrication of free-standing single-crystal silicon wires

A fabrication process for free-standing single-crystal silicon wires of submicrometer cross-sectional dimensions and lengths in excess of 40 μm is reported. The starting material is silicon-on-insulator that has been recrystallized using a dual electron beam recrystallizing system. The wires are then fabrictaed in the recrystallized layer by a combination of electron beam lithography and plasma etching. Electrical measurements have been performed and the fabrication limits of the process are discussed.