Abstract: A method for severing a solid-oxide fuel cell bi-layer element including a structural anode and an electrolyte layer, comprising the steps of orienting the bi-layer element such that the surface thereof is accessible to laser treatment; impinging a laser beam on the electrolyte surface; moving the impinged laser beam past the surface along a path in a plane corresponding to the desired severed edge to form a groove in the element extending partially through the element to a predetermined depth; and applying a bending moment across the groove to cause the element to break into first and second portions. The groove depth is preferably about 15% of the total thickness of the element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a planar sensor, comprises disposing a film of a material on a substrate, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and mixtures and alloys comprising at least one of the foregoing materials; annealing the material; measuring a resistance value of the material; laser trimming the annealed material; heat treating the laser trimmed material; and laser trimming the heat treated material to form the sensor.