Abstract
The properties of graphene can vary as a function of the number of layers (NOL). Controlling the NOL in large area graphene is still challenging. In this work, we demonstrate a picosecond (ps) laser thinning removal of graphene layers from multi-layered graphene to obtain desired NOL when appropriate pulse threshold energy is adopted. The thinning process is conducted in atmosphere without any coating and it is applicable for graphene films on arbitrary substrates. This method provides many advantages such as one-step process, non-contact operation, substrate and environment-friendly, and patternable, which will enable its potential applications in the manufacturing of graphene-based electronic devices.
Highlights
Graphene, a one-atom thick layer of graphite with densely packed sp2-bonded carbon atoms[1], has been extensively investigated since its first production/generation in the lab by Geim, et al.[2] in 2004
The one-step methods can only thin the graphene to monolayer or bilayer, which cannot reach the purpose of preparing electronics with different properties by controlling the number of graphene layers
The graphene films can be thinned to the specific number of layers using the scanning laser radiation with tunable pulse threshold energy in atmospheric condition
Summary
A one-atom thick layer of graphite with densely packed sp2-bonded carbon atoms[1], has been extensively investigated since its first production/generation in the lab by Geim, et al.[2] in 2004 The unique properties such as electron mobility of 2.5 × 105 cm2V−1s−1 at room temperature[3], high thermal conductivity (>3000 WmK−1)[4,5] and optical absorption of exactly π α = 2 .3% have been reported[6]. A novel yet simple method of picosecond (ps) laser thinning is proposed to accurately control the number of graphene layers. Arbitrary patterns are achievable if the unique scanning paths are set up Because this process/method has many advantages, such as one-step process, non-contact operation, substrate and environmental-friendly, and patternable thinning, it will be potentially used in the fabrication of graphene-based electronic devices
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