A laser liftoff process is provided. A device layer can be provided on a transfer substrate. Channels can be formed through the device layer such that devices comprising remaining portions of the device layer are laterally isolated from one another by the channels. The transfer substrate can be bonded to a target substrate through an adhesion layer. Surface portions of the devices can be removed from an interface region between the transfer substrate and the devices by irradiating a laser beam through the transfer substrate onto the devices. The laser irradiation decomposes the III-V compound semiconductor material. The channels provide escape paths for the gaseous products (such as nitrogen gas) that are generated by the laser irradiation. The transfer substrate is separated from a bonded assembly including the target substrate and remaining portions of the devices. The devices can include a III-V compound semiconductor material.