We use size comparisons from everyday life to show that light applications take place on smaller scales than we can see with the naked eye.
This is a paper clip wire. The metal wire has a diameter of one millimeter (1,000 µm).
This is a pin. The metal wire has a diameter of 500 µm.
The focus in laser cutting has a diameter of around 100 µm.
This is a human hair. It has a typical diameter of 50 µm.
The core of an optical fiber has a diameter of about 10 µm.
Laser light can be focused on points smaller than the naked eye can see. This capability leads to unique applications in areas such as precision machining, microscopy, medical procedures and much more.
A very warm thank you to all the companies and institutes that made this publication possible.
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Text and research: Wenko Süptitz, SPECTARIS
Graphic: Schwochow Visual Stories GmbH
Scrollytelling: Jan Schwochow, Scrollytelling GmbH