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Representation of gold
Scientists combine existing technologies to build new ultrafast electron microscope
Using a unique combination technology, a team of researchers from Nagoya University in Japan has analyzed the mechanisms of the light-matter interaction in nanomaterials at the smallest and fastest levels.
Nanomaterials, materials sized at the nanoscale between 1 and 100 nm, are increasingly important in both industry and everyday living. Their extraordinarily small size gives them unique properties not found in larger materials. These properties are also specific to the nature and environment of the material. To expand the library of nanomaterials that can be applied effectively, safely, and sustainably in products and manufacturing processes, we require a deeper understanding of even the smallest events occurring on and inside the nanoparticles.
To measure nanomaterials, scientists use a subfield of metrology known as nanometrology. Nanometrology measures length scales at the nanoscale. To give this some context, a human hair is about 100,000 times wider. When particles are this small, scientists must also measure events that occur within mere fractions of a second. For example, a phenomenon called photoexcitation normally takes place in picoseconds, or one trillionth of a second. Specialized devices, therefore, are necessary to measure these almost instantaneous events.