Can you keep zooming in forever?
For many years, seeing individual atoms was impossible because they are much smaller than the wavelength of visible light. Scientists discovered that electrons, which have much shorter wavelengths, could be used instead of light. Early electron microscopes, developed by Ernst Ruska, used magnetic lenses to focus electron beams and create images. However, a problem called spherical aberration, which distorted the images, limited how much these microscopes could magnify. This problem was thought to be unsolvable for a long time. Later, Albert Crewe developed a scanning electron microscope that improved image quality, but spherical aberration still prevented clear views of atoms. Finally, three scientists, Knut Urban, Max Haider, and Harold Rose, found a way to correct this aberration by using specially designed, non-symmetrical magnetic lenses. This breakthrough allowed for incredibly clear images of individual atoms, revolutionizing fields like materials science and engineering.
Key Vocabulary
Irregularly shaped masses or drops of a substance, often used to describe something indistinct or amorphous.
Examples:
- The artist used thick blobs of paint to create texture in the abstract painting.
- After the rain, tiny blobs of water clung to the spiderweb.
- He noticed several blobs of ink on his shirt after changing the printer cartridge.
A piece of material, such as iron or steel, that has the property of attracting certain metals and that can attract or repel other magnets.
Examples:
- The refrigerator door stayed shut thanks to the strong magnet.
- Children often play with toy magnets to learn about attraction and repulsion.
- The scrapyard used a giant electromagnet to lift heavy pieces of metal.
Forcibly thrown or pushed out, often rapidly or suddenly.
Examples:
- The machine ejected the completed part onto the conveyor belt.
- When the pressure built up, the safety valve ejected a stream of steam.
- The printer ejected the paper with a soft whirring sound.
At an angle of 90 degrees to a given line, plane, or surface; forming a right angle.
Examples:
- The carpenter ensured the new wall was perfectly perpendicular to the floor.
- The two roads intersected at a perpendicular angle, forming a crossroad.
- In geometry, a line drawn perpendicular from a point to another line forms the shortest distance between them.
A new version or form of a process, product, or design, often implying a repetition or refinement of a previous one.
Examples:
- The software company released a new iteration of its popular application with improved features.
- Each iteration of the prototype brought them closer to the final design.
- The chef constantly refines his recipes, with each iteration being a slight improvement on the last.
A deviation from what is normal, expected, or desired; specifically, a distortion or imperfection in an image formed by a lens or mirror.
Examples:
- The slight aberration in the telescope lens caused the distant stars to appear blurry.
- The unexpected warm weather in winter was considered an aberration for the region.
- Designers worked tirelessly to correct the optical aberration that was affecting the camera's image quality.
A compound containing the anion of titanic acid, often used in ceramics and electronics for its specific properties.
Examples:
- Barium titanate is a common ferroelectric material used in capacitors.
- Researchers are exploring new applications for lead zirconate titanate in sensors.
- The ceramic material was composed primarily of strontium titanate, giving it unique electrical characteristics.
A slender thread-like object or fiber, particularly the thin wire in an incandescent light bulb that glows when heated.
Examples:
- The tiny filament inside the light bulb glowed brightly when electricity passed through it.
- Many insects have delicate antennae that resemble fine filaments.
- The 3D printer uses a continuous plastic filament to build objects layer by layer.
Exceeding or going beyond something in amount, extent, or quality; being superior to.
Examples:
- Her latest novel is truly remarkable, surpassing all her previous works in complexity and emotional depth.
- The athlete trained rigorously, eventually surpassing all his personal bests.
- The company's profits this quarter were surprising, far surpassing initial expectations.
Magnets created by passing an electric current through a coil of wire, which can be turned on and off.
Examples:
- Large industrial cranes often use powerful electromagnets to move scrap metal.
- The speaker's sound is produced by the interaction of permanent magnets and electromagnets.
- Scientists use electromagnets in particle accelerators to guide charged particles.
Caused to change direction after hitting something or being influenced by a force.
Examples:
- The shield deflected the incoming projectile, protecting the target.
- The ball deflected off the post and went out of bounds.
- The magnetic field deflected the path of the charged particles.
Appearing as a shadowy, often large or threatening, form; also, referring to an event that is about to happen and causes worry.
Examples:
- A dark storm cloud was looming on the horizon, signaling bad weather.
- The looming deadline for the project caused a lot of stress among the team members.
- He felt a sense of dread as the looming figure approached him in the fog.
Tending to be different or to develop in different directions; moving apart from a common point.
Examples:
- The committee members had divergent opinions on the best course of action.
- Their paths became divergent after college, leading them to pursue different careers.
- The two scientific theories, though initially similar, took increasingly divergent approaches to the problem.
Emitting light as a result of absorbing radiation of a different wavelength, typically ultraviolet light, and glowing brightly as a result.
Examples:
- The crime scene investigators used a fluorescent powder to reveal hidden fingerprints.
- Many modern office buildings are lit with energy-efficient fluorescent lamps.
- Certain minerals exhibit a beautiful fluorescent glow under a black light.
Curved inward like the interior of a sphere or circle.
Examples:
- The spoon had a concave shape, perfect for holding soup.
- A concave mirror can be used to focus light rays to a single point.
- The architect designed a building with a concave facade to create a unique visual effect.
To place or arrange in a straight line or in correct relative positions.
Examples:
- The technician had to carefully align the laser beam for accurate measurements.
- Before starting the project, all team members need to align their goals.
- She took a moment to align the books neatly on the shelf.
With a deliberate intention; on purpose.
Examples:
- He purposely left the door ajar so the cat could come in.
- The artist purposely used muted colors to evoke a sense of calm.
- She spoke slowly and clearly, purposely enunciating each word for emphasis.
A length of wire wound into a spiral or helix, often used to create an electromagnetic field.
Examples:
- The electrician carefully wound the copper wire into a tight coil.
- Many springs are designed as a tightly wound metal coil.
- The induction cooktop uses an electromagnetic coil to heat pots and pans.
A noble gas that glows a bright orange-red when an electric current is passed through it, commonly used in signs.
Examples:
- The city street was illuminated by the vibrant glow of neon signs.
- Neon lights are often used in artistic installations for their distinctive color.
- The scientist demonstrated how an electric discharge caused the neon gas to emit light.
Moving or causing to move into a sloping position.
Examples:
- The photographer was tilting the camera slightly to get a more dynamic angle.
- He noticed the old fence was tilting dangerously to one side.
- The artist achieved a sense of movement by tilting the figures in the painting.