Scientists Capture Shadow Cast By 1 Atom

slew writes "Scientist at Griffith University have shown the first absorption image of a single atom isolated in a vacuum. A single atomic ion was confined in an RF Paul trap and the absorption imaged at near wavelength resolution with a phase Fresnel lens. They predict this absorption imaging technique should prove useful in quantum information processing and using the minimum amount of illumination for bio-imaging of light-sensitive samples. Here's a pointer to the paper."

Re:Previously Smallest Shadow

[Anonymous Coward]

Basic Science. We may not be able to use it immediately, but when someone figures out what to do with it, a lot can be done.

We have electricity. What is it made of?
We have electrons. Can we control how it travels?
We have computers. What would we do if we connected them?
We have networks and internet. What can we do with this?
We have Slashdot.

Simply:
"If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders of Giants [sic]." -- Newton

Re:Previously Smallest Shadow

[jo_ham]

I'm so sorry you have so little joy in your life that you can't appreciate it in others when they achieve something that took time, hard work and enhancing our understanding of science.

I pity you that look with derision on people who sincerely enjoy what they do for a living and dare to show a little passion as the fruits of the labour start to show up.

The fact that you think they're crying over "nothing" shows just how narrow minded you really are. It's a shame.

Re:Previously Smallest Shadow

[schroedingers_hat]

It's a damn sight more exciting, and memorable than one group of people being slightly better at kicking/throwing/chasing a ball than another group of people that evening -- and I've seen people cry, yell, shout, scream, and beat the shit out of anyone who doesn't agree with their reaction in response to sports.