Temperature sensor based on IR-laser reduced Graphene Oxide

Abstract

A simple, cost-effective approach to realize a sensitive temperature sensor based on IR laser reduced graphene oxide (IRLrGO) is reported. The sensor has been obtained by irradiating a graphene oxide (GO) film, placed between two thin glass substrates, with a continuous wave diode laser operating at 970 nm along its entire length. A conductive strip, 13 mm long, 300 μm wide and 7 μm thick, has been generated by moving the GO film on an X-Y translator stage with a given velocity with respect to the fixed laser fiber tip position. The laser treatment has given rise to the GO reduction confirmed by the resistance R measurements as well as from SEM, EDX, ATR-FTIR and Raman analyses. The temperature dependence of the conductive strip resistance has been measured in air from 30oC to 80oC and in high vacuum from 80 K to 300 K. The sample acts as a sensitive and low mass Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD). Such a sensor is biocompatible and requires a very low bias (<1 V). While the performances of the IRLrGO temperature sensor are stable under high vacuum conditions at room temperature, its behavior remains to be studied when it operates under different environmental conditions.