Laser-localized selective etching and application of aluminium

The localized enhancement of wet chemical etching by focused laser beams and its application to the selective etching of aluminum are discussed. Since wet etching can proceed rapidly even without irradiation, it is as important to consider methods to ''de-enhance'' background etching as to enhance localized etching. For example, the process for aluminum etching is based upon moderate local heating to activate a reaction which is normally suppressed by a corrosion inhibitor