Laser-electrochemical formation of microholes

The mechanism responsible for very high rates of metal dissolution at electrodes illuminated by a laser beam was investigated. It was found that the laser-electrochemical (LEC) dissolution rates can reach as high as 0.1 mm/s. A glass capillary is used as an electrode device through which electrolyte flows and laser beam passes. The LEC technology is applied for production of microholes in electronic optical systems of picture tubes and standards for ultrasonic flaw detection.