Robust micropatterns on graphene oxide films based on the modification of fluorescence lifetime for multimode optical recording

Here we report on the fine modification of fluorescence lifetime of graphene oxide (GO) film by introducing a localized writing process with a well-controlled reduction degree. The modification results from the elimination of long-lived sp3 functional groups and/or the conversion of that to short-lived sp2 confined clusters. By optimizing the parameters of writing process, four-lifetime distributions with narrow width have been determined. The distinguishable lifetime distributions allow to create versatile and complex micropatterns on the GO film, which are robust with film-thickness- and reading-power-independent features. These features enable a multimode optical recording on GO film for high-capacity information storage based on the contrast of fluorescence lifetime. Our results present that lifetime modification of GO film can provide a new platform for the fabrication of micro-photonic information devices.