Transferring graphitic thin films with a liquid gallium probe

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a process for transferring a graphitic thin film and a kit for the same.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A kit for transferring a graphitic thin film, comprising:
 (a) a gallium probe. comprising:
 (i) a shank with 1 st  and 2 nd  ends; 
 (ii) a loop attached to the 1 st  end of the shank; 
 (iii) a drop of gallium in contact with the loop; and 
 (iv) a heat source capable of liquefying gallium; and 
   (b) an etching container, comprising:
 (i) a 1 st  chamber comprising: an etchant solution, a 1 st  port, and a 2 nd  port, wherein the etchant level is above the level of the ports and is in contact with the metal layer of the graphitic-metal material; 
   (ii) a 2 nd  chamber adjacent to the 1 st  chamber, comprising: the etchant solution and a 1 st  port in liquid contact with the 1 st  port of the 1 st  chamber, wherein the etchant level is above the level of the 1 st  port; and,
 (iii) a 3 rd  chamber adjacent to the 1 st  chamber, comprising: the etchant solution and a 1 st  port in liquid contact with the 2 nd  port of the 1 st  chamber, wherein the etchant level is above the level of the 1 st  port. 
   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source, comprises: a coil of resistance wire surrounding, but not touching the shank and in close enough proximity to the gallium drop to liquefy it. 
     
     
         3 . The kit, of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source, comprises: a plurality of coils of resistance wire surrounding, but not touching the shank and in close enough proximity to the gallium drop to liquefy it. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (c) a micromanipulator.   
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the shank and loop are tungsten. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the loop is 1 mm.