Seeing Atoms in 3D

Science is now able to see the arrangements of atoms and molecules of solid materials in 3D.
A paper published in the periodical “Nano Letters” explains how the researcher Tobias Lhur et al was able to develop the first imaging technique that can clearly see inside molecular structures, and have used it to create 3D holograms of the atomic arrangements inside these structures.
This new holographic imaging method can image thousands of atoms in a specific part of a molecular structure, and it uses high energy electron waves to penetrate the structures and pin point the location of each atom. It also distinguishes the different types of atoms.
This ability to see inside molecular structures and know the type and location of every atom, will give scientists a better understanding on how to develop new materials and understand their physical and chemical properties.