Patent ID: 8182707

Claim:
A method for etching a layer that is to be removed on a silicon substrate, comprising: providing a Si 1-x Ge x layer on the substrate, wherein x is between 0.05 and 0.5; growing and structuring a silicon layer on the Si 1-x Ge x layer; providing an oxide layer or nitride layer between the Si 1-x Ge x layer and the silicon layer, the oxide layer or nitride layer having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm as a diffusion barrier or protective layer; and removing the Si 1-x Ge x layer at least in areas in gas phase etching using an etching gas; wherein the oxide layer or nitride layer prevent the passage of germanium from the Si 1-x Ge x layer into the silicon layer, wherein the etching gas includes BrF 3 .