atom

Graphene is a remarkable form of carbon, built from a single layer of tightly connected atoms that is only one atom thick.

Understanding how many atoms move and interact inside laser-driven polyatomic molecules is essential for any attempt to guide chemical reactions using intense light.

"A hydrogen atom gives up only 0.2% of an electron when binding on platinum catalysts, but it's that small percentage which makes it possible for hydrogen to react in industrial chemical manufacturing."

To address the problem, scientists around the world are exploring whether harnessing the quantum properties of atoms can help navigate accurately in so-called contested environments.

The flight carried an instrument that shines lasers at atoms, which behave like compass needles to measure Earth’s magnetic field in real time.