To see nanoparticles and manipulate them, scientists use high-powered microscopes that must be maintained and operated in a carefully controlled environment. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Advanced Measurement Laboratory, the room is kept ultraclean so particles from the air—and from the operators—won't contaminate the device. And to prevent vibrations, the instrument is anchored to a 5,000-ton block of concrete 40 feet (12 meters) below ground. Researchers here are expanding the boundaries of nanotechnology, discovering unforeseen uses for common materials.
Camera: Canon EOS-1DS MarkII Format: Digital (100 ISO) Lens: 46mm Speed and F-Stop: 2 seconds @ f/10.0
