Artwork created by Sampson Wilcox
MIT physicists snap the first images of “free-range” atoms
One of MIT’s most widely shared research stories of 2025, this work captures the first direct images of individual atoms interacting freely in space, revealing quantum correlations previously predicted but never observed. Using a new imaging technique that briefly freezes and illuminates moving atoms, MIT physicists visualized both bosons forming collective waves and fermions pairing in free space—offering a powerful new way to see and study quantum phenomena in real space.
Related Links:
- Martin Zwierlein
- Richard Fletcher
- Department of Physics
- School of Science
- MIT physicists snap the first images of “free-range” atoms (MIT News)
- MIT captures first image of free-range atoms, can help visualize quantum phenomena (Interesting Engineering)
- Scientists Capture First Ever Images of Free-Range Atoms (Pubity Group)