Electron Waves Unveil the Microcosmos

Synopsis

A Royal Institution Discourse in which Akira Tonomura of Hitachi explains how, with the aid of holographic electron microscopy, we can see lines of force inside a solid magnet. The studies reveal a dynamic world in which the lines of force form vortices (quantised bundles) that hop and swirl inside a superconductor much like tornadoes do in the atmosphere. The scenery of the microcosmos is revealed by new state-of-the-art techniques that essentially sprinkle electrons (rather than iron filings) through the magnetic materials.

Series

Royal Institution Discourses, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 60 min.

Year of production

1995

Availability

Sale; 2000 sale: £25.00 (+VAT inc. p&p)

Subjects

Physics

Keywords

electron microscopy; magnetism

Credits

Writer

Akira Tonomura

Cast

Akira Tonomura

Production Company

Name

INCA

Notes

Use for: Independent Communications Associates

Sponsor

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

Name

Vega Science Trust

Email

vega@vega.org.uk

Web

http://www.vega.org.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

01273 678 726

Address

Sussex Innovation Centre
Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB

Notes

Well-established maker and distributor of more than 200 programmes on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, many of which have been broadcast. Vega’s videos aim to give a fundamental understanding of principles of nature and the physical world. Outstanding scientists/communicators are directly involved with each video so that they can guide content of the programmes. Science is presented in a natural way as an intellectually challenging discipline and the videos fill the gap in TV coverage by presenting well-informed analyses on serious science-related ethical, economic, social, health and other issues. Separate series consist of interviews with eminent scientists, science video lectures, issues of current scientific concern, the Royal Institution Discourses, scientific masterclasses, and recent research projects. Programmes available for free viewing via the website and some also for sale on DVD.