Percolation pathway switching in laser graphitized polyimide conducting tracks

Laser processing has been used to create weakly conducting tracks in polyimide film. Raman spectroscopy shows that these tracks consist of nanometre sized graphitic regions contained in a carbon-rich matrix. The measured temperature dependent and electric field dependent conduction characteristics show an activated characteristic that is consistent with nearest neighbour hopping. In addition, discrete percolation pathway switching events are seen when the system is subjected to significant disturbance from equilibrium.