This illustration show the work of, Dr. Yongfeng Lu, an engineer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lu and colleagues employ lasers to develop new methods for crafting these thin tubes made from carbon. Dr. Lu’s method precisely varies the diameter and properties of these structures. These designs could improve transistors and sensors in a range of electronics.

Created in 3D Studio Max and Photoshop, this illustration was one of three finalists awarded in the illustration category of the NSF’s 2011 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge.

Links covering this illustration:
Science Magazine
Popular Mechanics
MSNBC.com
NSF
Popular Science
National Geographic
Wired magazine
AAAS
BBC
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
De Volkskrant
G1 (Brazil)

Image copyright University of Nebraska-Lincoln