Electromagnetic waves are the fundamental source of information about the universe, but only a tiny fraction of them are visible to the unaided eye. Fortunately, physicists have developed new ways to "see" outside the visible spectrum. Click to enter a universe BEYOND living color!
Instead of pencil, paper, and eraser, we can use combinations of lasers and magnetic materials to write, read, and and erase information by varying the temperature and magnetic field. Here we apply our laser "pencil" to magnetic "paper" to write the letter “N” (Go Huskers!!). This technique allows us write, erase, and rewrite tiny magnetic memories like those found in your computer hard drive and other devices. Click to learn how it works!
Magnets curve themselves into beautiful patterns called domains, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Now that magnetic paint and nail polish are easily available, we can use magnets to create all kinds of magnetic patterns which we can see, photograph, erase and rewrite! Click to find out how YOU can paint with magnets!
Squeezing and stretching materials only a few atoms thick can result in dramatic changes.