Ultrafast laser processing of metal nanomaterials: Fundamentals and applications

Metal nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties have attracted great attentions owing to their significant role in catalysis, imaging, and photothermal therapy. This article describes the fundamental aspects of laser-metal nanoparticle (NP) interaction that leads to nanoscale energy deposition through light amplification and heat generation. Besides the importance of the primary process in physics and chemistry, application of the light-NP interaction has attracted significant interest from various areas ranging from material chemistry to material fabrication. Here we consider both mechanistic and application aspects based on our research progress. Our attention is focused on ultrafast laser-induced fast processes in the reshaping and strapping of metal NPs that revealed the heating-cooling dynamics. On the application side, we focus on material fabrication and enhanced surface activity of metal NPs.