For the first time, high resolution photographs of the transformation of nanoscale structures have been taken by researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif. Being able to discern the brief behavior of a chemical reaction, structural deformation or phase transformation helps scientists to understand the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and materials science, say lab researchers.
The snapshots that revealed the microstructure and properties of reactive multilayer foils — or nanolaminates — was made possible by the lab’s dynamic transmission electron microscope.
It is believed that this breakthrough will yield enhanced materials and devices.