MOSCOW: In a scientific first, Russian researchers at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) have developed a dry spray printer capable of printing microscopic objects, including tiny electronic components and light-amplifying structures used in high-precision scientific analysis.
This breakthrough printer can produce plasmonic structures, which are essential in enhancing Raman spectroscopy—a technique used to detect trace amounts of substances. By amplifying the signal, these printed structures make even the tiniest particles visible, offering a huge leap forward for forensics, archaeology, and materials science.
“Think of our printed plasmonic structure as a tiny megaphone,” explained Vladislav Borisov, researcher at MIPT. “On their own, these tiny substance traces are silent. With our structures, they’re shouting.”
Beyond scientific samples, the printer shows major promise in microelectronics, too. It can print circuit boards with tracks as narrow as a human hair, ideal for compact tech and wearable gadgets. It also enables the application of quantum dots—nanoscale particles that boost the performance of photodetectors, making them far more sensitive.
This innovation is not only chemical-free (since it’s a dry process) but also faster and cleaner, making it a game-changer for laboratories and tech industries alike. It has no global equivalent, placing Russia at the forefront of nano-printing technology.
The development is part of MIPT’s larger push to advance functional materials and precision manufacturing. With practical applications in crime labs, museums, and tech startups, this printer is likely to see strong demand.
The future of nano-scale printing may have just been sprayed into existence—dry, accurate, and incredibly precise.
