Patent ID: 7727790

Claim:
A method for separating a layered semiconductor structure from an optically transparent growth substrate and simultaneously forming surface features on said layered semiconductor structure, said method comprising the steps of: providing said layered semiconductor structure fabricated on said growth substrate, wherein said growth substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface and wherein said layered semiconductor structure has a first surface in contact with said second surface of said growth substrate and a second surface opposite said first surface; providing a pulsed laser beam; scanning said pulsed laser beam across said first surface of said growth substrate in at least a first direction, wherein said pulsed laser beam is transmitted through said growth substrate to said first surface of said layered semiconductor structure and wherein said pulsed laser beam decomposes said first surface of said layered semiconductor structure, resulting in the formation of an interfacial layer of non-uniform thickness between said first surface of said layered semiconductor structure and said second surface of said growth substrate and the simultaneous formation of said surface features on said first surface of said layered semiconductor structure; and detaching said layered semiconductor structure from said growth substrate by severing said interfacial layer.