Robin Milward Cooney: Barely Conductive

This 10x microscope image shows laser induced graphene formed when a laser converts the surface of Kapton, a flexible polymer, into carbon-rich tracks. The dark islands are partially carbonised regions; the bright channels between them reveal where conversion is incomplete.

My research investigates how laser power, scanning speed and polymer thickness control this transformation, with the goal of directly writing compliant electrodes onto films used in electrohydraulic actuators. These soft devices move by redistributing liquid under high voltage and could enable lightweight robots, wearable technologies and artificial muscles. The image exposes a critical manufacturing moment: too little energy leaves disconnected carbon, while too much can damage the polymer.</p>