Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanocomposite GRIN optical-element. The method comprises providing a volumetric gradient refractive profile and providing a plurality of nanocomposite-inks to form the GRIN optical-element. Each of the plurality of nanocomposite-inks have nanoparticles dispersed in an organic-matrix. The plurality of nanocomposite-inks comprising of a nanoparticle diffusion inhibiting nanocomposite-ink wherein nanoparticle diffusion is inhibited with respect to another of the plurality of nanocomposite-inks. The diffusion inhibiting nanocomposite-ink having a different dielectric property from at least one of the other plurality of nanocomposite-inks. The plurality of nanocomposite-inks also comprising a nanoparticle diffusion permitting nanocomposite-ink wherein nanoparticle diffusion is permitted with respect to at least another of the plurality of nanocomposite-inks.