Nano calligraphy via optical electro-aligning manipulation

The precision assembly of anisotropic nanostructures is a prerequisite for next-generation integrated microsystems, quantum photonics, and bio-interfaces. However, bridging the gap between individual manipulation accuracy and scalable, programmable manufacturing remains a grand challenge. Current optical and alternative physical field approaches are hindered by inadequate control stability, thermal damage, and interfacial adhesion limitations. Here, we report a robust hybrid opto-electric microsystem that synergizes alternating current (AC) electric fields with holographic optical tweezers to overcome these barriers. By introducing an Optical Electro-aligning Manipulation (OEM) strategy, we convert the stochastic motion of nanowires into deterministic, pre-aligned trajectories, significantly minimizing scattering forces and optimizing trapping stability. This results in a 38% increase in capture success rate, a 50% reduction in laser power requirements, and a 39% increase in translation speeds for Ag, TiO₂, GaAs, and InAs nanowires. Furthermore, we demonstrate “nano-calligraphy” as a lithography-free patterning technique, enabling the programmable construction of complex micro-patterns with sub-micron resolution. The capability for parallel control of up to seven nanowires and the successful manipulation of biological agents (bacteria) confirm the system’s scalability and versatility. This work establishes a powerful nanomanufacturing platform for the bottom-up assembly of functional NEMS devices, photonic networks, and cellular nanoprobes. (Figure presented.)