Controlled, reversible, and nondestructive generation of uniaxial extreme strains (>10%) in graphene.

Theoretical calculations have predicted that extreme strains (>10%) in graphene would result in novel applications. However, up to now the highest reported strain reached ∼1.3%. Here, we demonstrate uniaxial strains >10% by pulling graphene using a tensile-MEMS. To prevent it from slipping away it was locally clamped with epoxy using a femtopipette. The results were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and optical tracking. Furthermore, analysis proved the process to be reversible and nondestructive for the graphene.