Laser-Induced Graphene Technology Enabled by the XLS10MWH from Universal Laser Systems

In 2014, a research team at Rice University discovered that they could convert the surface of a plastic film to graphene by exposing it to a CO₂ laser beam. Since then, the team, led by Professor James M. Tour, has been working diligently to refine the Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) process and to explore new applications for this versatile material. The LIG development work at Rice is enabled by an XLS10MWH with MultiWave Hybrid™ technology from Universal Laser Systems.

The LIG technology developed at Rice University represents a vast improvement over previous methods of forming graphene, which are multi-step processes requiring expensive vacuum furnaces or harsh chemicals. By contrast, the LIG process creates graphene in a single step in a normal room air environment. This reduces production cost and complexity. For a full review of the LIG process and its many applications, please see Accounts of Chemical Research: Laser-Induced Graphene.