The miniaturized size will allow chemical testing using small hand-held instruments, eliminating the need to send samples to a large laboratory. Trapping single atoms for a better view A whole new technology awaits exploration with the discovery of a technique for trapping single atoms. Researchers at DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Nanocrystals Technology in Briarcliff, N.Y., have collaborated to cage single europium atoms in nanocrystals not much larger than the atoms themselves. The process enables them to study the properties of a single atom at room temperature using conventional microscopy techniques. This is far more practical than methods that require cooling the atoms to cryogenic temperatures or trapping atoms in the gas phase using ion trap mass spectrometers.
Potential applications lie in computing, optical sensing and display systems.
Delmar Miller has worked at Fermilab for more than thirty years. He has worked in every accelerator tunnel on site. And he has helped to install numerous beam lines and detector components. He works hard to make sure that the job gets done and that Fermilab's projects are on schedule. Miller's job title is Operational Specialist Senior, and he leads a team of 35 mechanical support people working to upgrade the DZero detector.