MSU scientists use lasers to 'draw' important electronics crystals
Scientists at Michigan State University have figured out how to "draw" lead halide perovskite crystals using laser light and gold nanoparticles.
This new method, called plasmonic heating, lets them place these important crystals exactly where they want—potentially making solar cells, LEDs, and sensors cheaper and more precise.
The process in detail
By shining a 660-nanometer laser on gold nanoparticles (which are way smaller than a human hair), the team creates tiny hotspots that trigger crystal growth on glass.
High-speed cameras watch the action in real time, giving researchers much more control than older methods.
Why perovskites matter
Lead halide perovskites are key for next-gen electronics because they work well in solar panels and sensors.
This technique could cut down on waste and boost performance by letting engineers build devices with pinpoint accuracy.
What's next for the team?
The team wants to try using multiple lasers for more complex patterns and see if the trick works with other materials too.
Their work was just published in ACS Nano on October 23, 2025—opening the door for smarter ways to make tomorrow's tech.