HI/H2/Ar discharges are shown to be universal etchants for rn-V semiconductors, giving rise to highly anisotropic features with smooth surface morphologies. At loy dc self bia:s (-100V) and low pressure (1 mTorr), etch rates for all III-V materials of >2000Å min−1 are possible for high HI percentages in the discharges, whereas rates greater than 1 Åm min−1 are obtained at higher pressures and dc biases. These etch rates are approximately an order of magnitude faster than for CH4/H2/Ar mixtures under the same conditions and there is no polymer deposition on the mask or within the reactor chamber with HI/H2/Ar. Auger Electron Spectroscopy reveals residue-free, stoichiometric surfaces after dry etching in this mixture. As i result, photoluminescence intensities from dry etched samples remain high with little apparent damage introduction. Changes in the near-surface carrier concentration due to hydrogen passivation effects are also negligible with HI-based mixtures in comparison to CH4-based dry etching.