Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Laser induced surface modification has been used to fabricate conducting paths in ceramic substrates. For the purpose of process simulation and prediction of process parameters a finite element model has been developed to simulate the thermal behaviour of the substrate during laser surface interaction. The results of the model calculation have been verified experimentally for alumina and Cordierite substrates. Using this model the width and the depth of the fabricated lines could be predicted as a function of the laser power and velocity. The stresses due to thermal mismatch are estimated and identified as the likely reason for crack formation which reduces the functionality of the conducting paths. Further developments will consider different ceramic substrates such as PZT.