Creating color patterns using optical manipulation and scattering of silicon nanoparticles

The utilization of color patterns has been widely employed in encryption and displays. Printing-based nanostructures are gaining traction in color displays, showcasing remarkable resolution but facing limitations in reconfigurability. Here, we demonstrate a flexible scanning process using optical tweezers to trap silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) for converting their trajectories into vibrant dynamic color patterns. In this process, the optical potential well stably captures a single SiNP while moving in three-dimensional space at a speed of about 1000 ​μm/s, leading to the display of dynamic color patterns due to persistence of vision (POV). Leveraging the tunable ability provided by Mie resonances within the visible band, the scattering color can be altered simply by adjusting the number of trapped SiNPs, thereby enabling the creation of tunable high-saturation color patterns. This strategy is further explored for flexible design of composite images with potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and dynamic display.