Laser-induced conductivity in aluminum nitride

The electrical resistance of AlN, an insulator with a typical electrical resistance greater than 1013 (Omega) - cm, was significantly reduce dafter irradiation from UV lasers. A typical value of a few hundreds (Omega) -cm was consistently achieved. The possible changes in the surface microstructure were investigated using a number of techniques, which included analysis of surface roughness, Raman spectroscopy and XPS. A thin aluminium layer is believed to have formed on the top surface that accounted for the shining metallic appearance after laser irradiation. The relationship between various laser parameters and the electrical conductivity were investigated. The etch rates of AlN with respective to laser power density are presented. The potential industrial application of this technology is discussed.