Laser nanoprocessing creates monolayer graphene.

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a technique to structure graphene films at the nanometer scale using a femtosecond laser. The method can create holes with diameters ranging from 70 nanometers to over one millimeter without damaging the graphene film. The team also found that the laser could remove contaminants on the graphene and create nanopores and atomic-level defects, which could be manipulated to control electrical conductivity and quantum-level characteristics. The breakthrough could have a significant impact on areas from quantum materials research to biosensor development.