Scientists Leverage Innovative MultiWave Technology from Universal Laser Systems to Create 3D Laser Induced Graphene Foams

MultiWave technology from Universal Laser Systems enables the operation of two or more lasers with different wavelengths on a single laser system. According to the article published in the latest issue of the peer reviewed publication Advanced Materials, scientists at Rice University have utilized MultiWave technology to create three dimensional Laser Induced Graphene (LIG) foam structures.[1] In the first stage of the process, a CO₂ laser with a wavelength of 10.6 µm is used to convert thin plastic sheets into layers of graphene. This step is repeated to build up the graphene foam to the desired thickness. In the second stage of the process, a Fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.06 µm is used to laser mill the graphene foam to the desired shape. The Rice University scientists are exploring several applications for graphene foams including energy storage and flexible electronic sensors.

[1] D. X. Luong, A. K. Subramanian, G. A. Lopez Silva, J. Yoon, S. Cofer, K. Yang, P. S. Owuor, T. Wang, Z. Wang, J. Lou, P. M. Ajayan and J. M. Tour, Adv. Mater. 2018, 1707416.