Physics World Focus on Instruments & Vacuum 2019

The dramatic first images of a black hole released in 2019 were a testament to the hard work of hundreds of astronomers. But the images would have been impossible without a slew of specialized technologies. This Focus is full of such stories, highlighting how “behind-the-scenes” technologies play can solve problems both in the lab and beyond. Sensitive radiation detectors could, for example, make it quicker and safer to clean up contamination, while smarter microscopes could save bioscientists from drowning under “big data”. Vacuum cooling systems could even keep freshly harvested veggies from spoiling on their way to your plate.

Expand to full screen, bookmark pages or download a PDF to read offline using the icons beneath the screen. Read it now