Laser micromachining of high-aspect-rado metallic channels for the application to microthemial devices

A fabrication method for high-aspect-ratio microchannels in stainless steel using laser-assisted thermochemical wet etching is reported in this paper. The fabrication of deep microchannels with an aspect ratio over ten is realized by applying a multiple etching process with an optimization of process conditions. The cross-sectional profile of the microchannels can be adjusted between rectangular and triangular shapes by properly controlling laser power and etchant concentration. Excellent dimensional uniformity is achieved among the channels with little heat-affected area. Microchannels with a width ranging from 15 to 50 mu m can be fabricated with an aspect ratio of ten and a pitch of 150 m or smaller. The effects of process variables such as laser power, scan speed, and etchant concentration on the fabrication results, including etch width, depth, and cross-sectional profile are closely examined.