Miniaturized planar column devices (2) are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of support substrates (4). Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection device (34, 36) and fluid communication device (10). Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electromatographic separation device, or any combination thereof.