Laser-generated nanoparticles promise cleaner, smarter artificial sensory systems

A new review highlights a powerful, cleaner route to produce ultra-clean, customizable nanoparticles—key building blocks for artificial sensory systems that mimic human perception and power emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) and advanced human–machine interfaces.

Published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, the review focuses on laser ablation in liquids (LAL), a physical method that uses sub-nanoscale laser pulses to break down solid metal targets submerged in liquids. The result: surfactant-free, highly pure metal-based nanoparticles that can be tuned in size, shape, and composition without the need for harsh chemicals or complex post-processing.

Researchers from Ajou University and Samsung Electronics lays out how LAL works, how its parameters can be fine-tuned, and why it may offer a simpler, cleaner, and more scalable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods—especially for electronics applications.

The first half of the article dives into the science of LAL: how factors such as laser wavelength, intensity, and pulse duration—as well as the choice of liquid—affect nanoparticle formation and scalability. It also introduces engineering enhancements like continuous flow systems, laser steering, and related techniques (such as laser fragmentation and melting), which improve efficiency and control.

The second half turns to real-world applications. Metal-based nanoparticles produced through LAL—ranging from single metals to alloys, core–shell structures, and high-entropy combinations—are increasingly used in devices that mimic the five human senses and even artificial synapses. Because these nanoparticles are free of surface ligands or contaminants, they can interact more effectively with their environment, resulting in sensors that are more sensitive, faster, and capable of performing multiple functions at once.

For instance, nanoparticles made from noble metals with tailored surface properties can enhance light or gas detection, while high-entropy alloy nanoparticles have shown promise in hydrogen sensors and memory devices that mimic brain-like behavior.

“Laser ablation in liquids offers a clean and scalable way to produce high-performance nanomaterials,” says Prof. Sungjun Park, the corresponding author. “This could fundamentally change how we design and integrate materials for flexible electronics and smart sensory systems.”

Despite its advantages, LAL still faces challenges. Ensuring long-term stability of the nanoparticles without adding surfactants, and integrating the process into large-scale electronics manufacturing, remain ongoing areas of research. The authors suggest future work should focus on continuous production systems, real-time monitoring, and building functional devices that push the limits of nanoparticle performance.

As smart, immersive technologies become more deeply embedded in daily life, LAL could help bridge the gap between nanomaterial synthesis and biologically inspired computation, offering a fresh perspective on how we engineer materials for machines that see, feel, and think more like us.

International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM, IF: 21.3) is dedicated to publishing the best advanced manufacturing research with extreme dimensions to address both the fundamental scientific challenges and significant engineering needs.

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