The Ultimate Macro Image - A Single Atom

Taken with a DSLR, 50mm lens, extension tubes, two flash, units, (and a University Physics Laboratory).

 

Picture of a Single Atom Wins Science Photo Contest

Be sure to read the comments after the article to understand, or not understand, what you're actually seeing. Isn't quantum physics fun?:)

I saw that. It doesn't get much more macro than that, does it?

horizon’s a bit iffy.

I forwarded this to my nuclear physicist wife for comment. We'll see what she has to say. I would note that what we are seeing is a re-emission (NOT reflection) of photons (light particles?) from the atom, not incident light, so it is a bit of a stretch to say we are "seeing" a single atom. It is not terribly different from what we see in a cloud chamber, which is condensation caused by the passage of sub-atomic particles, not the sub-atomic particles themselves. In both cases we observe the physical effects of the small particles on their environments, but not the particles proper. Still, a fascinating and engaging image...

I think this information and picture just sealed the deal for my grandson who is so excited when we talk about things like this...he is thrilled to see such a sight as I am. Thank you for posting it. Amazing capture!

I forwarded this to my nuclear physicist wife for comment. We'll see what she has to say. I would note that what we are seeing is a re-emission (NOT reflection) of photons (light particles?) from the atom, not incident light, so it is a bit of a stretch to say we are "seeing" a single atom. It is not terribly different from what we see in a cloud chamber, which is condensation caused by the passage of sub-atomic particles, not the sub-atomic particles themselves. In both cases we observe the physical effects of the small particles on their environments, but not the particles proper. Still, a fascinating and engaging image...

????????

Good cloud chamber analogy.