One atom in the lens: physicists have captured an image of a single strontium atom (photo)

Scientists have published a rare image capturing a single atom—a tiny bluish dot between metal electrodes, illuminated by a laser. The atom in question is a strontium atom, which was observed under ultra-precise laboratory control. Strontium was chosen due to its relative abundance and its convenience for quantum experiments, where highly reproducible results are essential. Furthermore, this element is well-suited for laser cooling methods, which allow for the slowing of particle motion and the virtual "immobilization" of a single atom in space.