Laser-Ablation Method Enhances Production of Custom Nanoparticles for Smart Sensors

A recent review published in the *International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing* highlights a groundbreaking method to produce ultra-clean, customizable nanoparticles through laser ablation in liquids (LAL). This innovative approach is poised to revolutionize the production of materials critical for artificial sensory systems, which mimic human perception and are integral to emerging technologies such as extended reality (XR) and advanced human-machine interfaces.

The study, conducted by a team from Ajou University and Samsung Electronics, explains that LAL utilizes sub-nanoscale laser pulses to break down solid metal targets submerged in liquids, yielding surfactant-free, highly pure metal nanoparticles. This method allows for precise tuning of the nanoparticles' size, shape, and composition without the use of harsh chemicals, offering a cleaner and more scalable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods (Choi et al., 2025).

According to Dr. Sungjun Park, a leading author from Ajou University, "Laser ablation in liquids offers a clean and scalable way to produce high-performance nanomaterials. This could fundamentally change how we design and integrate materials for flexible electronics and smart sensory systems" (Choi et al., 2025). The review outlines how various parameters, including laser wavelength, intensity, pulse duration, and the choice of liquid, influence nanoparticle formation and scalability.

In addition to its production advantages, the nanoparticles generated via LAL demonstrate enhanced interactions with their environment, leading to improved sensor performance. For example, noble metal nanoparticles with tailored surface properties can significantly enhance light and gas detection capabilities, while high-entropy alloy nanoparticles show promise in hydrogen sensors and memory devices that mimic brain-like behavior (Choi et al., 2025).

Despite its advantages, the LAL method faces challenges that researchers must address. Ensuring the long-term stability of the nanoparticles without the addition of surfactants and the integration of this method into large-scale electronics manufacturing are critical areas for ongoing research (Choi et al., 2025). The authors of the study suggest that future work should focus on developing continuous production systems, real-time monitoring capabilities, and the creation of functional devices that maximize nanoparticle performance.

As advanced, immersive technologies become increasingly prevalent in daily life, the potential for LAL to bridge the gap between nanomaterial synthesis and biologically inspired computation is significant. This advancement may facilitate the next generation of machines capable of perceiving and responding to stimuli in ways that more closely resemble human sensory experience.

For further details, the full study can be accessed in the *International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing* (Choi et al., 2025).

### References: Choi, J.-G., Park, S., et al. (2025). Scalable metal-based nanoparticle synthesis via laser ablation in liquids for transformative sensory and synaptic devices. *International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing*. DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/ade836.