How to put 170 atoms in an atom
Scientists have developed a method to create 'Rydberg atoms' by exciting electrons to high energy levels, creating large orbits that can contain other atoms. This process relies on precise energy control to prevent the atom from ionizing.
Why it matters
This research advances our understanding of atomic physics and quantum states, potentially opening doors for new types of atomic-scale engineering.
You might already know that atoms are mostly empty space. Physical size behaves a bit weirdly at the atomic scale, but essentially the radius of an atom’s nucleus is tens of thousands of times smaller than the radius of an electron’s orbital. That’s the same ratio as a single grain of sand 1 to a football field. 2
So what can we fit in all that space? Well, if you build it just right, you can fit a bunch more atoms of the same element – theoretically over a hundred. Yes, scientists actually did this, and no, it doesn’t violate the laws of physics. You just need one really big atom, and a bunch of really cold normal ones. 3
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