WATCH TECHNO
Micro-submarine
Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a micro-submarine made
by the microTEC company, in Duisburg, Germany. After the specifications
of the submarine were entered into a computer, a reservoir of an acrylic
liquid was then solidified by a computer-controlled laser. The beam caused
the liquid to polymerize and solidify as it passed through, building up the
submarine in layers about 10 micrometer thick. The RMPD (Rapid Micro
Product Development) process allows tiny components to be made cheaply
and accurately. This submarine measures around 4 millimeters in length
and 65 millimeters in diameter. It is hoped that tiny machines such as this
may one day be used for detecting and repairing defects in the human
body. Magnification: 17 X.
Mikrosurgical clamp
Colored Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of a clamp used in microsurgery
on the brain. Measuring only .63 millimeters in diameter, it is used for the
removal of small tumors. The clamp is made of a nickel-titanium alloy and its
sheath (yellow) is made of polytetrafluoro-ethene (PTFE) plastic. Springs keep
the jaws of the clamp open (as seen here) when it is not in use. The jaws are
closed by sliding the plastic sheath over the clamp. Magnification: 34 X.
Ceramic high-temperature superconductor
This superconducting metal material is made up of lanthanum, barium
and copper-oxide. Superconductivity occurs in certain materials at
very low temperatures. Superconductors carry electrical current with little
or no resistance and exclude magnetic fields. They have a wide range
of potential applications and much research has been carried out in
anattempt to find materials which are superconducting at high
temperatures. Magnification: 8.000 X.
Moderation Team
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