Laser direct synthesis of graphene on quartz

We demonstrate a laser-based technique to directly synthesize few layer graphene on quartz substrates without using any metal catalyst. In our approach, a photoresist S-1805 (from Shipley Comp.) film coated on quartz wafers was heated, and then decomposed, by irradiation of a continuous-wave laser. The carbon atoms from the photoresist were dissolved in the molten quartz, and then extracted to form graphene when the temperature of the quartz was decreased. Raman spectroscopy shows the as-produced graphene is two to three layers thick. This laser-based method will provide a new approach and platform for applications of graphene-based devices.