Scientists capture atomic motion on camera for the first time

Scientists have, for the first time, directly filmed atomic motion by capturing thermal vibrations of atoms in real-time using an advanced electron microscopy technique called electron ptychography. Led by Yichao Zhang from the University of Maryland, the team achieved a resolution finer than 15 picometers, allowing them to visualize moiré phasons—coordinated, heat-driven vibrations that occur in twisted two-dimensional (2D) materials. These subtle atomic motions, previously only theorized, play a crucial role in determining thermal conductivity and superconductivity in ultrathin quantum materials. This breakthrough provides unprecedented insight into how heat propagates through 2D materials and confirms long-standing hypotheses about atomic-scale dynamics. By revealing these vibrations, the research opens new avenues for engineering quantum materials with tailored thermal, electronic, and optical properties. Zhang’s team plans to further explore how defects and interfaces affect thermal vibrations, which could lead to advances in quantum computing and energy-efficient electronics. Published in Science on July 24,