DESMA 9 Week 8 | NanoTech + Art


The concept of self-organization/self-assembly which Dr. Gimzewski covered in lecture was definitely what stood out to me the most. The examples he provided, which ranged from snowflakes to flocking birds definitely illustrated how widespread and effective this concept can be. This occurrence in reaction-diffusion chemical systems is also pretty fascinating, and is yet another example of the artistic value of scientific processes. Some scientists were able to obtain such samples by creating a suspension of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and tartaric acid (TA), which due to solvent evaporation, created fascinating patterns via self-organization.

Polarizing Optical Microscopy of CNC, TA, and CNC/TA films. Example of Self-Organization


The ability of nanoparticles to result in different colors based on their size was also pretty interesting to learn about, and the idea of quantum dots, which Dr. Gimzewski explored, provided an insight into how quantum physics concepts can be used in real life. This use of quantum physics was also reflected when Dr. Gimzewski talked about the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, which is able to pick up the quantum wave effect of electrons. Whenever we covered topics that touched upon quantum physics in high school and intro level college physics courses, there was always a sense of mystery associated with quantum physics and the ideas it espouses. Seeing its applications and concepts explored in real life solutions was pretty interesting.

Example of how quantum dots change visual appearances


In “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Construction of a New Science”, Professor Vesna and Dr. Gimzewski mention that “as soon as we confront the scale that nanotechnology works within, our minds short circuit”. This is definitely something that is true, and an example is the way we are exposed to quantum physics in high school and college, as mentioned earlier. Similarly, when we learn about atoms in middle school, we are led to believe that atoms are just made up of protons, electrons, and neutrons, and that those three components are the smallest division. Later in high school however, we learn that there are particles even further basic than those three. These illustrate how we are exposed to the idea of the nanoscale very slowly and in a way that perhaps hinders the way we are able to deal with the scale. Maybe earlier exposure and understanding would strengthen the way we as a society are able to accept and deal with nanotechnology as it plays a bigger and bigger role in society.

The evolution of atomic models. Coincidentally, they line up chronologically with how we are taught about atoms in school.

Sources:

  1. Gimzewski, James. “Nanotech for Artists Part 5”. UCLA DESMA 9 Art Science and Technology Spring 2022, Week 8.

  2. Jeewandara, Thamarasee. “Self-Organization of Nanoparticles and Molecules in Periodic Liesegang-Type Structures.” Phys.org, Phys.org, 30 Apr. 2021, https://phys.org/news/2021-04-self-organization-nanoparticles-molecules-periodic-liesegang-type.html. 

  3. Gimzewski, James. “Nanotech for Artists Part 4”. UCLA DESMA 9 Art Science and Technology Spring 2022, Week 8.

  4. Gimzewski, James. “Nanotech for Artists Part 2”. UCLA DESMA 9 Art Science and Technology Spring 2022, Week 8. 

  5. Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanoneme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” Technoetic Arts, vol. 1, no. 1, 2003, pp. 7–24., https://doi.org/10.1386/tear.1.1.7/0. 

  6. Jeewandara, Thamarasee. “Self-Organization of Nanoparticles and Molecules in Periodic Liesegang-Type Structures.” Phys.org, Phys.org, 30 Apr. 2021, https://phys.org/news/2021-04-self-organization-nanoparticles-molecules-periodic-liesegang-type.html. (Source for image of self-organization)

  7. “What Are Quantum Dots?” Nanowerk, 2 July 2021, www.nanowerk.com/what_are_quantum_dots.php. (Source for image quantum dots)

  8. Pandya, Zankhana. “How Do We Know so Much about Atoms When We Can't See Them?” Science ABC, 22 Nov. 2021, www.scienceabc.com/pure-sciences/how-do-we-know-so-much-about-atoms-when-we-cant-see-them.html. (source for image of atom models) 

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