Abstract

The emergence of nanomaterials with their often superior mechanical, electronic and optical properties compared with bulk form demands a robust technology that can synthesize, modify and pattern scalably and cost effectively. This can be fulfilled via laser processing protocols which produce such materials with both high precision and excellent spatial controllability [1]. Direct laser synthesis of nanomaterials such as graphene and nano-structured metal oxides have been explored thoroughly for a wide range of applications [2,3]. However, to date, there are only a few reports associated with the laser processing of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs) [4]. These mainly utilize laser radiation for thinning TMDC films through sublimation down to a single molecular thickness [1]. However, this top-down approach is not practical for large-area and scalable production. In addition, further processing steps such as lithographic patterning are then required for discrete device fabrication.

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