Physicists create the world’s smallest violin: Thinner than a human hair

Researchers from Loughborough University has utilized the latest in nanotechnology to create the world’s smallest violin.

The tiny, violin-shaped object is just 35 micron long and 13 micron wide. If the term ‘micron’ is not familiar to you, it’s a unit of measure that is equal to one-millionth of a meter.

For context, a human hair is between 17 and 180 microns wide. The violin is literally thinner than a human hair.

However, given the minuscule size of the Loughborough violin it is not actually playable as an instrument. Nevertheless it does provide an impressive look at what cutting-edge nanotechnology is now able to achieve. The project utilizes a system called nanolithography, which allows scientists to create and examine structures and a nanoscale.

“Our nanolithography system allows us to design experiments that probe materials in different ways—using light, magnetism, or electricity—and observe their responses,” Professor Kelly Morrison, head of the Loughborough University physics department, explained.

“Once we understand how materials behave, we can start applying that knowledge to develop new technologies, whether it’s improving computing efficiency or finding new ways to harvest energy.”

The latest developments in nanolithography allow scientists to operate a thermal scanning probe with a heated tip to etch precise designs onto chips. A gel-like resist is first layered onto a surface and the etching machine - known as the NanoFrazor - is then used to input the design.

For now, the world’s tiniest violin is just an example of what can be achieved with this technology. But researchers are hoping that the technology will allow product creators to improve device efficiency which reduce its size, or to improve heat distribution.

The growth of similar nanotechnologies could also have major benefits in the field of data storage, a major focus in today’s data-led world. The full extent of the possibilities is still unclear bur Professor Morrison is optimistic about the future.

“I’m really excited about the level of control and possibilities we have with the set-up,” said Professor Morrison, “I’m looking forward to seeing what I can achieve – but also what everyone else can do with the system.”

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