Effect of polarization of ultrafast laser irradiation on carbon nanotube film

Selective patterning of carbon nanotubes film on transparent substrates was performed using a femtosecond laser. The high shock wave generated by the femtosecond laser effectively removed the carbon nanotubes without damage to the substrate. This process has many advantages because it is performed without chemicals and is easily applied to large-area patterning. It could also control the transparency and conductivity of carbon nanotubes film by selective removal of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, a femtosecond laser does not cause any phase change in the CNTs, as usually occurs in focused ion beam irradiation of carbon nanotubes. The patterned single-walled carbon nanotube films on transparent substrate can be used as an electrode layer for touch panels of flexible or flat panel displays instead of indium tin oxide film. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.