Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a new way to make precise patterns of a special material using lasers. This method improves control over how a conductive carbon layer forms on flexible plastic sheets. The advance could lead to better sensors that detect brain chemicals and other signals inside the body.
Laser-induced graphene, or lig, is a thin, porous form of carbon made by heating certain plastics with a laser. It conducts electricity well and bends easily, which suits it for wearable or implantable devices. Researchers applied a simple iron-based ink to the plastic surface before using a near-infrared laser. This step let them guide exactly where and how the graphene starts to form. Computer models helped them understand the heat patterns that control the material's thickness and electrical qualities.
New control over graphene formation opens paths for advanced sensors
The process supports very small electrode lines under 40 micrometers wide. It works with standard commercial plastics and simpler equipment. As a result, it supports low-cost manufacturing at larger scales.
The new graphene structures show strong electrical performance and can detect neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin with good sensitivity. These chemicals carry signals in the brain and nervous system. The flexible electrodes keep their function even when bent, making them promising for neural probes and other bioelectronic tools that work inside or on the body.
A related earlier study from the same group showed that changing the laser scanning speed can further improve how well the sensors detect signals by altering the graphene surface. Together, the findings demonstrate practical ways to tailor the material for different sensing needs without sacrificing flexibility or cost.
Experts involved noted that understanding the basic laser-material interaction, rather than just aiming for the thinnest possible layer, allows better balance of thickness, conductivity, and device performance.
This research is published in Advanced Materials Technologies. It points toward more accessible flexible electronics for health monitoring and medical implants. It may also extend to other fields that need precise control of material properties on soft surfaces.