Mike The use of nitride as an etch stop is not a typical scenario. Nitride layers can be quite thin, and with nitride having a similar selectivity to photoresist, a thin layer is unlikely to survive the DRIE processing. But as you have now found, with the photoresist-like selectivity and a thicker layer of material, nitride can indeed work as a stop layer. If you need any further process assistance with regard to the issues you are currently seeing, which can be addressed in the DRIE, do not hesitate to contact the ASE Technical Support Specialist at STS. Regards Rich Barnett Richard Barnett BEng(Hons) MIEE Product Marketing Engineer (MEMS) Surface Technology Systems plc Imperial Park Newport NP10 8UJ Wales UK Tel +44 (0) 1633 652400 Fax +44 (0) 1633 652405 email richard_barnett@stsystems.co.uk web www.stsystems.com