| abstract |
A dielectric member with an integral, electrically conductive surface is made by molding a substrate from a zirconia alloy powder using a tape casting process. The resulting green substrate is sintered and after sintering may be cut to the final desired size and shape. Once the insulating ceramic substrate has been formed, the surface of the substrate is modified using infrared laser energy. Through the impingement of infrared laser radiation upon the surface of the ceramic substrate, an electrically conductive region is produced on the surface of the substrate. In such manner, the entire surface can be made electrically conductive or a particular pattern can be traced. As an integral part of the substrate, the surface will not delaminate from the substrate. Further, because the modified surface region and the substrate are both a zirconia, the coefficients of thermal expansion of the substrate and the modified surface region will be closely matched. |