Graphene gazing gives glimpse of foundations of universe

But researchers say the simplicity of the Manchester experiment is “truly amazing” as measurements of fundamental constants normally require sophisticated facilities and special conditions.

With large membranes in hand, Prof Geim says it requires barely anything more sophisticated then a camera to measure visual transparency of graphene.

“We were absolutely flabbergasted when realized that such a fundamental effect could be measured in such a simple way. One can have a glimpse of the very foundations of our universe just looking through graphene,” said Prof Geim.

“Graphene continues to surprise beyond the wildest imagination of the early days when we found this material.

“It works like a magic wand – whatever property or phenomenon you address with graphene, it brings you back a sheer magic.

“I was rather pessimistic about graphene-based technologies coming out of research labs any time soon. I have to admit I was wrong. They are coming sooner rather than later.”

Notes to editors

Images available:

PhD student Rahul Nair (who carried out this work) shows his research sample: a scaffold in which several apertures are covered by graphene. http://onnes.ph.man.ac.uk/nano/Images/MembraneRahul.jpg

Magnified image of research samples with small holes covered by graphene. One can see light passing through them by the naked eye. http://onnes.ph.man.ac.uk/nano/Images/Scaffold%202.jpg

The fine structure constant makes graphene visible. Looking through an aperture partially covered by graphene (central vertical stripe) and two layers of graphene (region to the right), one can directly see their different opacities. The central region absorbs 2.3 percent of incident light and the bilayer region twice more. http://onnes.ph.man.ac.uk/nano/Images/QuantizedOpacity.jpg

For more information please contact Alex Waddington, Media Relations Officer, The University of Manchester, 0161 275 8387 or 07717 881569.

Prof Geim is available for comment ( ).

A copy of ‘Fine Structure Constant Measured from Opacity of Graphene Membranes’ is available on request.