The newest research tool at UTSA is an incredibly powerful microscope. The images it creates are unlike anything you have ever seen.
Just a decade ago, physicists only dreamed that would have such clear pictures of some of the tiniest components of the universe. The world’s most powerful microscope is now up and running at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The electron microscope can magnify images 20 million times. Software can create 50 million times magnification.
Dr. Miguel Jose-Yacaman is chairman of UTSA’s physics and astronomy departments. “I can tell you the microscope, the laboratory here, is as good as any in the world,” he stated.
The new microscope reveals not just physical mysteries. It also has the ability to match images with chemical information.
UTSA is using nano-particle technology to come up with more targeted cancer therapies. It’s technology that can also be used to create cleaner-burning fuels. And that’s not all.
“It’s going to be used by a wide variety of researchers in chemistry, physics, biology, geology, really industry also,” Jose-Yacaman said.
This is the first microscope of its kind outside of Japan. Temperature and vibration are carefully controlled in a specially-engineered room designed to house the machine.
A gift of more than a million dollars helped purchase this powerful new tool named “Helenita” in honor of Helen Groves. She’s the president of the Kleberg Foundation, which distributes legacy money from the famous King Ranch.
The investment helps put UTSA on the map in terms of physics research. “Definitely, in this area, I can say very proudly that UTSA is world class,” Jose-Yacaman claimed.
What the Hubble telescope has done of images of outer space, this new microscope will do for images of inner space. It will enhance our knowledge of the unseen particles that make up the universe.
