© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

At MSU, it's goodbye NY minute, hello femtosecond

The self-destruction of the comet ISON captured the public imagination last week, as it passed between our planet and the sun.  The mystery of outer space has enthralled humanity for centuries.  Now, Michigan State University is taking a giant leap into inner space.A team of researchers is developing a new type of microscope that can watch atoms and molecules discharging energy at nearly incomprehensible speeds.  It’s one more step into the world of nanotechnology.  Scientists like MSU's Chong-Yu Ruan are peering into the atomic structures of known materials to find new properties and new applications for everyday life.

Current State’s Kevin Lavery visited an MSU laboratory recently on a quest to find an elusive measurement of time: the femtosecond.

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!