Laser Induced Strain Engineering of 2D Crystals, Graphene and Semiconductor Nanomembranes

Graphene has attracted significant attention since its discovery because of its structural perfection, low density, excellent electrical properties, superior mechanical properties, etc. However, due to zero band gaps, unpatterned graphene has limited functionality. One approach has been developed that produces graphene nanoribbons and dots, but reliability, scalability, and quality remain an issue for graphene patterning.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to tailor the electronic properties of graphene using laser shock pressure to produce controlled straining. The graphene sheet is conformally pressed onto a patterned mold. It takes the shape of the pattern, resulting in tunable strains. It is a one-step operation, with the shock taking only tenths of a nanosecond. The laser shock approach is fast, tunable, low-cost, and can be scaled to produce rolls of graphene in a short period. It is a cost-effective means to produce large amounts of patterned graphene for use in nanoelectrical devices.

Advantages:

-Scalable and tunable to exact specifications

-Cost effective

Potential Applications:

-Nanophotonic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric devices

-Chemical and biological sensors

TRL: 4

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Graphene, laser shock pressure, controlled straining, patterned graphene, nanoelectrical devices, tunable strains, nanophotonic devices, optoelectronic devices, thermoelectric devices, chemical sensors, biological sensors, Biosensors, Electrical Engineering, Graphene, Materials and Manufacturing, Micro & Nanoelectronics, Sensors