Abstract Plasmonic color arises from the resonance interaction between light and the metallic surface of nanostructures. Unlike conventional dye-based technologies, plasmonic color offers several advantages, including sub-wavelength resolution, vibrant hues and long-term stability without fading. These properties make plasmonic color promising for applications in multifunctional pattern coloration, anti-counterfeiting labels, and high-density data storage. However, current plasmonic color printing techniques often rely on costly and complex equipment. In this study, we present a novel, reversible plasmonic color-printing technology that combines laser shock processing with heat treatment, providing a highly efficient method for color printing. The results demonstrate that vivid plasmonic colors can be dynamically and reversibly controlled by modulating the geometrical dimensions and crystallinity of the nanostructure. Moreover, through molecular dynamics simulations, the underlying physical mechanism behind the reversible reshaping of metallic nanoparticles is explored in detail. This innovative approach holds significant potential for applications in plasmonic sensors, energy harvesters, and nanolithography systems.
He et al. (Mon,) studied this question.