A Korean research team has found a way to observe nano particles using normal microscopes. The Ministry of Education and Science has confirmed that Professor Yi Jongheop of the SNU School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Professor Kang Tae Wook of Seogang University and Professor Choi Yeon Ho of Korea University have succeeded in observing the growth of nano particles by analyzing the dispersion of light using an ordinary optical microscope. Previously, it was believed that observing nano particles by ordinary microscopes was impossible, and that they could only be observed by using highly advanced electron microscopes, which are also highly expensive.

The research team took notice of the fact that when light is cast upon nano particles, dispersion of light occurs and varies according to the size and shape of the particle. The team reversed this process and started from observing the various forms of dispersed light, to deduce the characteristics of the nano particle which was being observed. Yi’s team finally succeeded in observing the growth of a certain nano particle. Further specifics of this discovery were featured in the cover article of the May 10, 2011 issue of Angewante Chemie.

Written by LEE Hee Un, SNU English Editor, heeun0221@hotmail.com
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor