A group of scientists recently developed a new lens that enables the human eye to see items that are 625 times smaller than the width of a human hair. By using this new lens, people can observe items that are down to 160 nanometers in length without applying any additional software.


It was developed by a research team led by Professor Choi Choon-Gi of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).

By using a platinum-coated carbon nano tube forest, the researchers were able to demonstrate subwavelength imaging and make it visible by the human eye.

They developed the so-called "new nano lens" by overcoming the limitations of diffraction, common with optical microscopes, which prohibits users from seeing very small objects. Through the development of the new lens technology, researchers can observe three-dimensional molecular systems in real time.


Existing optical microscopes are unable to see objects smaller than 200 nanometers across. Researchers rely upon electron microscopes or x-rays to see objects smaller than that. This inevitably damages the sample, because it requires cutting or changing the specimen in other ways, which makes it impossible to reuse the sample. This new lens, however, allows scientists to see objects as small as 160 nanometers across without affecting the sample or taking any additional steps.

Nanoscale, an international journal published by the U.K.-based Royal Society of Chemistry, introduced the team's research results in its April 28th edition.


These results have now brought humanity one step closer to the dream of a "nano microscope" that would allow people to see molecular systems with the naked eye.

Professor Choi said, “Through the technology of this new lens, which can see items merely 160 nanometers across, we have secured an opportunity to build in the near future a new technology that can see three-dimensional molecular systems.“

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr