Variable range hopping in self-encapsulated carbon features by internal resin direct laser writing carbonization...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Laser Processing

Background:

• Direct laser writing (DLW) enables micro/nanofabrication.
• Carbon materials exhibit unique electronic properties.
• Understanding conductivity stability is crucial for device longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate temperature-dependent sheet resistance of IR-DLWc and conventional DLWc samples.
• Analyze long-term conductivity decay over four years.
• Evaluate the T₀ parameter as a metric for material disorder.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of carbon structures using IR-DLWc and conventional DLWc.
• Measurement of temperature-dependent sheet resistance.
• Application of the three-dimensional variable range hopping (3D-VRH) model.
• Long-term conductivity monitoring over 4 years.

Main Results:

• IR-DLWc samples showed significantly higher T₀ values than conventional DLWc samples.
• Conventional DLWc samples exhibited rapid initial conductivity decay when exposed to air.
• IR-DLWc and UV-glue-encapsulated samples demonstrated slower initial decay but sustained faster decay rates over time.
• T₀ was identified as a viable metric for characterizing disorder in IR-DLWc materials.

Conclusions:

• IR-DLWc fabrication results in carbon structures with more localized electronic states.
• The conductivity decay mechanisms in laser-induced carbon materials are complex and influenced by air interactions.
• The T₀ parameter effectively quantifies structural disorder and electron transport barriers in IR-DLWc materials.