Temperature sensor based on IR-laser reduced Graphene Oxide

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, 13mm long, 300 m wide and 7 m 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 30C to 80C and in high vacuum from 80K 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.