‘Atoms, ja, atoms!': Physics pioneer key to microscopy ‘revolution in resolution’

Image of first atom seen

Penn State commemorates 70 years since faculty member Erwin Müller became the first person to ‘see’ atoms

By Katie Yan

Seventy years ago, in Osmond Laboratory on Penn State’s University Park campus, Erwin W. Müller, Evan Pugh Research Professor of Physics, became the first person to “see” an atom. In doing so, Müller cemented his legacy, not only at Penn State, but also as a pioneer in the world of physics and beyond.