Graphene-based Touch Sensors using Flexible Substrates
Disciplines
Electrical and Electronics | Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing | Nanotechnology Fabrication
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Graphene has emerged as a promising material for a wide range of sensor applications. In this research, we fabricated and characterized laser-induced graphene (LIG) on flexible polymer substrates. Graphene was formed by irradiating a UV laser onto flexible polyimide tapes. Under strong laser irradiation, photothermal effects break the bonds in polyimide and allow them to reorganize into sp²-bonded graphene sheets, forming multilayer graphene. Laser parameters including power level and depth were varied during fabrication. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify the characteristic graphene peaks, and optical microscopy was performed to inspect the uniformity and surface texture of the fabricated graphene samples. By analyzing both Raman and optical microscopy results, the optimal laser settings that yielded the best quality graphene were identified. The fabricated graphene electrodes were then used for touch-sensing applications. The sensors demonstrated stable performance with consistent touch and release detection. These graphene-based sensors show promise for human–computer interaction applications. Integration of these touch sensors into a glove to realize a smart-glove system is currently under investigation.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET – Electrical and Computer Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Sandip Das
Graphene-based Touch Sensors using Flexible Substrates
Graphene has emerged as a promising material for a wide range of sensor applications. In this research, we fabricated and characterized laser-induced graphene (LIG) on flexible polymer substrates. Graphene was formed by irradiating a UV laser onto flexible polyimide tapes. Under strong laser irradiation, photothermal effects break the bonds in polyimide and allow them to reorganize into sp²-bonded graphene sheets, forming multilayer graphene. Laser parameters including power level and depth were varied during fabrication. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify the characteristic graphene peaks, and optical microscopy was performed to inspect the uniformity and surface texture of the fabricated graphene samples. By analyzing both Raman and optical microscopy results, the optimal laser settings that yielded the best quality graphene were identified. The fabricated graphene electrodes were then used for touch-sensing applications. The sensors demonstrated stable performance with consistent touch and release detection. These graphene-based sensors show promise for human–computer interaction applications. Integration of these touch sensors into a glove to realize a smart-glove system is currently under investigation.