24 June 2010
New centre to house world's most powerful microscope
Internationally renowned scientist, Professor Sir Harry Kroto, marked his visit to the University of Sheffield this week (21-22 June 2010) by officially opening a new centre which will house the world's most powerful microscope.
The Kroto Centre for High Resolution Imaging and Analysis, which will house the world´s most powerful microscope, is part financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund and will provide the ability, for the first time, to examine the structure and composition of materials at atomic and even sub-atomic scale.
The Centre was officially opened by Sir Harry, a Nobel Prize winner and former graduate of the University, on 22 June 2010.
The development of materials relies on scientists´ understanding of their microstructure. The properties of materials, such as strength and hardness, are determined by the structure of the material at the atomic scale. It is increasingly important, for the development of innovative industrial materials and devices, to study these structures at an atomic and even sub-atomic scale.
Sir Harry was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of buckyballs – a new form of carbon. The breakthrough was recently named by fellow academics as one of the ten most important discoveries made by their peers at UK universities in the past 60 years. The new microscope will allow a fuller examination of buckyballs and contribute to the subsequent development of novel materials and devices.
Professor Tony Cullis FRS, said: "We are extremely pleased that the R005 microscope has come on-stream so quickly. It certainly takes us to a new level in studying the atomic structures of solids."
During his visit, Sir Harry was also presented with a portrait of himself, produced by modern portrait artist Peter Edwards. The portrait depicts Sir Harry at his home in Sussex.
Peter Edwards said: "When you begin to get to know Harry, apart from everything else, you become aware of a professional knowledge of the graphic arts. And from the evidence of my eyes - a gifted graphic artist. In my portrait of him I have attempted a strong "graphic" image of a dynamic man in moment of still reflection."
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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