Photo of a single atom with a prize in a science photography contest

The unusual image of a single atom trapped by electric fields was awarded the top prize in a well-known science photography contest. Photo entitled "Single Atom in an Ion Trap" is the work of David Nadlinger, a physicist at Oxford University.

At the center of the image is a single, positively charged strontium atom, held in place by electric fields – is the small spot of light. These are found in the two-millimeter gap between the electrodes.

To capture the image of an atom in a photograph, the right conditions had to be created. This was made possible by illuminating the atom by a laser of the right color (blue-violet). Energy from the laser causes the atom to absorb and re-emit light particles, so Nadlinger móhead to capture the image on camera at long exposure.

The atom along with the machinery holding it in place was placed in a chamber próFGM, whichóra was additionally strongly cooled. A physicist took an image through the window of a pr chamberótional.

Photo. David Nadlinger/ University of Oxford/ EPSRC

Photo. David Nadlinger/ University of Oxford/ EPSRC

The photo was taken by physicist David Nadlinger of the University of Oxford and was awarded the head of theóThe first prize in a photographic competition held by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council – EPSRC). The work is called "Single Atom in an Ion Trap".

Nadlinger took the photo last August 7 using a Canon 5D Mark II camera with a Canon EF 50mm f/1 lens.8 .

You can find more photos participating in the competition on the pages of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.