A time-resolved shadowgraphic study of laser transfer of silver nanoparticle ink

► We performed a comparative study on LIFT dynamics of silver NP ink (i.e. with and without using a dynamic release layer). ► We observed a completely different ejection behavior for the two different LIFT configurations. ► DRL assisted LIFT resulted in directional and low velocity ejection of the silver NP ink material. ► LIFT without using DRL resulted in supersonic material ejection and shock wave propagation.