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Title: 3D-printing nanocrystals with light
The ability to fabricate custom three-dimensional (3D) objects on demand has revolutionized prototyping and small-scale manufacturing processes. From low-cost filament extruders that a hobbyist can use to replace a plastic battery cover, to laser sintering machines for metal spacecraft parts, the reach of 3D printing technologies in low- and high-end markets continues to broaden. A crucial part of this progress has been the expansion of the library of materials that can be 3D-printed. Nanocrystals have many functional properties, but their integration with 3D printing has been limited, mostly relying on the use of polymer material as a scaffolding. On page 1112 of this issue, Liu et al. ( 1 ) demonstrate the 3D printing of nanocrystals using a method known as two-photon lithography. The intense beam of an infrared femtosecond laser induces simultaneous absorption of two photons in a very small volume, triggering photochemical reactions at nanocrystal surfaces.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1905290
PAR ID:
10358858
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Science
Volume:
377
Issue:
6610
ISSN:
0036-8075
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1046 to 1047
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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