Micromachining of complex channel systems in 3D quartz substrates using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

A novel microchannel fabrication technology for quartz using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is presented. Complex 3D channel systems inside quartz substrates can be constructed directly using a laser beam by controlled fracturing, and high-quality microchannels can be fabricated by melting quartz using a laser-induced plasma. The behavior of laser-induced plasmas in drilling microchannels is discussed. The diameter of the microchannels can be controlled from 25 to 200 μm. The average roughness of the interior channel wall is less than 0.2 μm. Currently, microchannels longer than 4 mm in fused-quartz cubes can be achieved using laser-induced plasmas.