This paper reports the formation of uniform single layer micro-patterns of graphene on a glass substrate using direct femtosecond laser cutting. The cutting of graphene was achieved in air and argon. By translating the graphene sample with respect to the laser beam, continuous micro-channels were carved. The cutting geometry can be controlled by varying the laser fluence and the scanning path. Also, 1∼2 μm wide graphene micro-ribbons were hatched out. The ablation threshold of graphene was determined to be 0.16∼0.21 J/cm 2 . With the laser fluence higher than the ablation threshold, graphene was ablated rapidly and removed completely without damaging the glass substrate. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to confirm the ablation of graphene. Time domain finite difference modelling was employed to understand the thermal history of the laser ablation process.

Based on medium-tuned optical field enhancement effect around a self-assembled particle-lens array (PLA) irradiated with a femtosecond (fs) laser source, we demonstrated that high-precision periodical array of micro/nano-structures can be readily fabricated on glass surface or inside glass in large areas in parallel without any cracks or debris. The technique has potential for rapid fabrication of three-dimensional structures in multiple layers inside glass.

Uranium dioxide ceramics are widely used as nuclear fuels. Thus, it is important to understand the role of the grain boundaries (GBs) which decisively govern the properties of these polycrystalline materials and subsequently determine their performances. Here, we report a coupled numerical-experimental approach enabling to assess GB energies. Firstly, GB formation energies (γgb) were computed for 34 symmetric tilt GBs in UO2 with molecular dynamics simulations at 1700 K. The surface energies (γS) relative to the respective planes of these GBs were calculated as well. The Herring relation was then used to assess the dihedral angles Ψ of the corresponding GB grooves. Secondly, a UO2 ceramic sample was annealed at 1673 K to obtain GB grooves. The CSL GBs of interest were identified by EBSD and their Ψ angles determined by AFM. Computed and measured Ψ values were found to be very close.