Laser Etch Enabled Active Embedded Microfluidic Cooling in $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$

Abstract

We demonstrate active embedded microfluidic cooling in $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$. We employ a cost-effective infra-red laser etch setup to achieve controlled etching of micro-channels in 500 um thick $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ substrate. The micro-channels are about 210 um deep and 340 um wide. Resistive heating is used as proof-of-concept. At a water flow rate of 50 ml/min, a 50% reduction in surface temperature from ~140$^\circ$C to ~72$^\circ$C is achieved for 3.5 W of input power. The experimental observations are backed by thermal simulation. This work is expected to lead to a new paradigm in thermal management in emerging $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ devices.