Computer models of nanotubes illustrate a property called "chirality." When carbon atoms are arranged in straight lines along the tube, the tube is a very good conductor. When they form a spiral ...

Atomic clocks keep time by counting the ‘ticks’ of electrons moving between two energy levels. Physicists have long wanted to count a nuclear tick instead. A nucleus is more shielded than an atom’s ...

The distribution of outermost shell electrons, known as valence electrons, of organic molecules was observed for the first time. As the interactions between atoms are governed by the valence electrons ...

BOULDER, Colo. — Physicists at the National Institute of Standards have found a way to build a device that can reliably count individual electrons. The new approach results from studies of electrons ...