A universal method for depositing patterned materials in-situ

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal, single-step method for in-situ patterned material deposition using nanoparticle-assisted photon-induced chemical reduction and optical trapping, enabling high-quality, multi-material patterning with optical resolution.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, easy-to-adapt in-situ deposition technique that combines patterning and material deposition in one step, compatible with optical microscopy and capable of depositing diverse materials.

Findings

Achieves high-quality multi-material patterning with optical resolution.

Compatible with optical microscopy for in-situ characterization.

Demonstrates practical device fabrication in 2D and 3D.

Abstract

Current techniques of patterned material deposition require separate steps for patterning and material deposition. The complexity and harsh working conditions post serious limitations for fabrication. Here, we introduce a novel single-step and easy-to-adapt method that can deposit materials in-situ. Its unique methodology is based on the semiconductor nanoparticle assisted photon-induced chemical reduction and optical trapping. This universal mechanism can be used for depositing a large selection of materials including metals, insulators and magnets, with quality on par with current technologies. Patterning with several materials together with optical-diffraction-limited resolution accuracy can be achieved from macroscopic to microscopic scale. Furthermore, the setup is naturally compatible with optical microscopy based measurements, thus sample characterisation and material deposition can be realised in-situ. Various devices fabricated with this method in 2D or 3D show it is ready for deployment in practical applications. This revolutionary method will provide a distinct tool in material technology.