Thermally penetration driven, record nanoparticle yield and throughput by high-power, ultraviolet nanosecond microparticle laser fragmentation

Laser nanomanufacturing requires energy-efficient, high-throughput methods using inexpensive feedstocks and continuous operation. We demonstrate high-power ultraviolet nanosecond microparticle laser fragmentation in liquids as a controlled, high-yield route to ligand-free silver nanoparticles. Two synchronized 343 nm, 200 W beams enable dual-pulse volumetric heating under single-pulse-per-volume conditions. Matching the thermal diffusion length to the microparticle radius converts surface-confined absorption into homogeneous photothermal excitation, driving single-pulse phase explosion instead of photomechanical rupture. The process yields up to 10 g h⁻¹ of Ag nanoparticles with 70–98 % < 10 nm, achieving record productivity and selectivity. Dual-pulse operation confirms additive energy deposition, and ionic strength tuning enables in-situ size control. This establishes a scalable, green synthesis platform linking mechanistic understanding with industrial-level throughput.