Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate single nanocrystal positioning tools are critical for emerging quantum and photonic technologies. Optical printing provides a platform to realize this positioning, but we need to understand the roles that solvent and surface functionalization play in controlling positional error, particularly for dielectric nanocrystals. Here, we characterize the impact of solvent and surface functionalization on nonresonant optical printing accuracy and efficacy, demonstrating accuracies of 50 nm. Changing solvent, nanocrystal concentration, and surface functionalization influences the number of attempts required to print nanocrystals, which we find is connected to positional error. Adding electrolytes to modify the interfacial DLVO potential reveals a unique regime where high irradiances minimize positional error while maximizing efficacy. Multiphysics simulations suggest that this regime results from photothermal effects and gradient forces. We validate these simulations by showing lower positional errors from substrates with higher absorption coefficients. These results will guide optical printing procedures for single nanocrystal positioning applications.
Source: Nano Letters
Authors: Brandon Reynolds, Matthew J. Crane
Institution: Colorado School of Mines
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: EAGER: Quantum Manufacturing: Developing a Deterministic, 3D Printer for Quantum Defects, Collaborative Research: NRT-QL: A Program for Training a Quantum Workforce, G2987161684, G4167636046, G6446736750, G7203479528, G7924658592, G8303716280, MRI: Acquisition of a Raman Imaging - Scanning Electron Microscope / Focused Ion Beam Instrument for Correlative Analysis of Materials Across Multiple Length Scales
OpenAlex ID: W7148557206