Laser-assisted materials engineering at the atomic and nanoscales

Laser technology has revolutionized industrial manufacturing by offering localized high energy, precise spatial resolution and seamless automation. Compared with traditional thermal processes, laser-assisted manufacturing integrates materials synthesis and structural design, thereby reducing waste and enhancing productivity. The rapid kinetics and transient behaviour of laser processes enable control over phase transitions, heterostructure design, defect engineering, nucleation, compositional variations, recrystallization and amorphization, producing materials with interesting properties. Here we examine atomic- and nanoscale control in laser-assisted materials manufacturing. We discuss the laser processing synthesis and resultant properties of materials including metals, perovskites, graphene and other inorganic materials. The efficacy of atomic- and nanoscale modulation by laser processing is demonstrated by improved performance in diverse domains, including catalysis, mechanical reinforcement, electronics or optoelectronics, and drug screening. By emphasizing atomic-scale perspectives, this Review offers understanding of laser-assisted materials manufacturing while inspiring materials development. © Springer Nature Limited 2025.