Patent ID: 6696008
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B23K,G03F

Abstract:
A process for machining a multi-layered work piece comprising at least a base layer, and a first layer of material of a dissimilar material on the surface of said base layer and preferably, a second layer of material of a dissimilar material to said first layer, said process consisting of the steps of:(a) ablation etching a complex, three-dimensional pattern of openings into said work piece by directing radiant energy of a given energy against said composite work piece; (b) generating, by using a computer, a maskless complex pattern and projecting said pattern onto said work piece using a Digital Micro Device (DMD) micromirror structure; (c) continuously monitoring selected parameters from said work piece; and, (d) selectively terminating said ablation etching in at least one localized area, in accordance with said complex pattern, upon reaching the predetermined level of material removal in said localized area as detected in said monitoring step, thereby allowing said ablation etching to be selectively stopped upon reaching said predetermined level, independent of process conditions, while continuing ablation etching in at least another localized area to form said three-dimensional pattern of openings, whereby said complex three-dimensional pattern of openings is etched into said work piece.