Six Images of Nano-scale Worlds Artist Michael Oliveri captures the tiniest products of materials science
Credits: Michael Oliveri
BALLOON FARM Zinc oxide powder, germanium oxide powder and graphite powder combined in a 1,800-dgree Fahrenheit (1,000-degree Celsius) oven to create these germanium balls and zinc oxide wires. The balls catalyze the growth of nanowires. © Michael Oliveri
UNDER THE SEA Balls of the chemical element gallium catalyze the growth of silicon oxide nanowires. © Michael Oliveri
ZINC VALLEY This valley is carpeted with zinc oxide nanorods and is fertile ground for other zinc oxide structures. © Michael Oliveri
AMBER WAVES OF ZINC This field of zinc oxide nanorods and funky forms was produced through the same process. © Michael Oliveri
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ZINC IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING These zinc oxide nanorods were born in a furnace burning at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius). A bed of zinc foil melted and combined with oxygen gas to create the rods, which are 50 to 150 nanometers in diameter. © Michael Oliveri
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