Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real time

Re:Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real ... by johtso on Thursday October 07, 2021 @09:47AM (#28786189)

This reminds me of my first time using a microscope. I was on a course on mushroom identification and we were looking at spores and other microscopic features.

I was so surprised when I saw shapes in the viewfinder that didn't look organic. There were squares and pyramids, it looked like Aztec ruins. And they were growing before my eyes! I then realised it was the reagents crystallising in the heat of the lamp.

The world of microscopes is like magic, it's a shame that more people aren't exposed to it.

Even just a quality 10x hand lens opens up a whole world of detail that we don't usually see.

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Re:Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real ... by hellbannedguy on Thursday October 07, 2021 @11:22AM (#28787507)

Good used microscopes are so cheap now. If I had a child, it would be on their desk early, like kindergarden.

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Re:Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real ... by xattt on Thursday October 07, 2021 @11:45AM (#28787837)

Any suggestions for models to be on the look out for? I bought some generic plastic $45 CAD kit that’s good enough, but would love to have an idea of what to focus on next.

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Re:Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real ... by beecafe on Thursday October 07, 2021 @02:24PM (#28790251)

If you want something a bit DIY but very capable, check out the openFlexure scope. It's a 3d printed body to which you can add an objective and it has a 3d printable micropositioning stage and Pi camera mount.

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Re:Atomic resolution video of salt crystals forming in real ... by yummypaint on Thursday October 07, 2021 @03:50PM (#28791226)

Check out the foldscope

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