Modification of Graphene on a Copper Grid during Femtosecond Laser Irradiation: Electron Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy Studies

Abstract

The modification of a graphene sheet, which was fabricated by chemical vapor deposition on a close-meshed copper grid, during powerful femtosecond laser irradiation is studied. The process of long-term irradiation of a sample in vacuum is found to be accompanied by (1) breaking carbon bonds, which is indicated by a decrease in the intensities of the reflections corresponding to electron-beam diffraction by graphene and (2) the formation of new products, which is indicated by the appearance of new diffraction rings and a change in the Raman spectrum of the sample. The compositions of the forming chemical compounds are analyzed. Copper oxides Cu₂O and CuO are shown to form predominantly on the sample surface as a result of the chemical reactions induced by powerful femtosecond laser pulses.