Abstract: A method for etching a surface including obtaining a structure comprising a plurality of nanowires on or above a substrate and a dielectric layer on or above the nanowires, wherein the dielectric layer comprises protrusions formed by the underlying nanowires; reacting a surface of the dielectric layer with a reactant, comprising a gas or a plasma, to form a reactive layer on the dielectric layer, wherein the reactive layer comprises a chemical compound including the reactant and elements of the dielectric layer and the reactive layer comprises sidewalls defined by the protrusions; and selectively etching the reactive layer, wherein the etching etches the protrusions laterally through the sidewalls so as to planarize the surface and remove or shrink the protrusions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for testing an electro-optic device such as a modulator or a switch are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for etching a surface including obtaining a structure comprising a plurality of nanowires on or above a substrate and a dielectric layer on or above the nanowires, wherein the dielectric layer comprises protrusions formed by the underlying nanowires; reacting a surface of the dielectric layer with a reactant, comprising a gas or a plasma, to form a reactive layer on the dielectric layer, wherein the reactive layer comprises a chemical compound including the reactant and elements of the dielectric layer and the reactive layer comprises sidewalls defined by the protrusions; and selectively etching the reactive layer, wherein the etching etches the protrusions laterally through the sidewalls so as to planarize the surface and remove or shrink the protrusions.