Right before your eyes, floating in mid-air with no visible means of support or containment, is a molten glob of glowing metal.
Scientists gather around, talking excitedly, observing and recording their measurements.
Unlike the hovering sample, however, the onlookers aren't floating. Gravity holds them firmly to the ground. No, it's not hocus-pocus. The ESL provides a unique way to test substances without touching a container or crucible that would contaminate the sample. It is used to examine metals, ceramics and glass compounds in a hot or cool liquid state.