Scientists create laser printer that can print at 127,000 dpi

Danish scientists have found a way to print pictures with a density of 127,000 dpi. For this they use a laser and a special nanostructure based on aluminum. It is also possible to print in color.

The method was developed by scientists at the Technical University of Denmark. They describe a technology for printing images at a maximum resolution of 127,000 dpi, and demonstrated it with an image of the Mona Lisa printed on a surface similar to that of a conventional pixel, the researchers said.

According to the researchers, printing is done with a laser that locally heats a sheet of aluminum with a thickness of only 20 nanometers. This sheet of aluminum is placed on a nanostructure with individual components that are 100 nanometers in diameter, many of which are arranged in a grid. Because the individual ‘pixels’ can be heated separately from each other, the printer can make different patterns. It is also possible to create color, because the aluminum is deformed and therefore reflects other wavelengths.

One of the applications the researchers have come up with is storing information that is not visible to the naked eye. For example, codes and other information could be stored and scanned, but they are not readable for people. It is unclear when the technology can be used in practice.