Visualizing the Invisible Nanoscale

Study of Visualization Practices in Nanotechnology Community of Practice

Abstract

How does one know what is the right way to visualize the invisible nanoscale? Practices in the visualization processes are studied by moving about in the fi eld of nanoscience/technology. Nine important aspects of visualization processes have identified. Based on nanoscientists’ responses to a small survey, it is argued that some of these aspects–preparatory techniques–which link up to the experimenter’s and visualization regress, are invisible to nanoscientists. Here tacit rules are followed in the production process of visualizations. This contrasts with presentational aspects where nanoscientists are faced with choices, and have to discuss and defend them. Here it is still impossible to follow tacit rules. These presentational aspects might also be closed down in further development of nanotechnology. The paper asks whether it might be important to keep choices visible.