EHD-LIFT: Electrohydrodynamic Laser Induced Forward Transfer

Adding new degrees of control to established manufacturing techniques can significantly expand their functionality and unlock new application spaces. In laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of liquids, jetting characteristics dictate the transfer features, essential for micro and sub-microscale patterning. However, a simple strategy for dynamic tunability of the jet beyond conventional laser parameters is still lacking. Here, we introduce an electrohydrodynamic method to control the donor interfacial curvature, enabling precise tuning of the jetting dynamics through the flow focusing effect. As a result, narrower jets could be achieved at energies 66% lower than in conventional LIFT, leading to a 97% reduction in the minimal printed droplet radius. By introducing an additional degree of control independent of laser parameters, this method expands the operational capabilities of LIFT and provides a promising pathway for high-resolution printing of functional materials, with potential applications in microelectronics, biomedical systems, and advanced engineering technologies.