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NEW VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS RESEARCH IMMERSION

Government scientists are equipping themselves with special software and gear to better explore the tiny particles that inhabit the world around us.

The work, called immersive visualization, allows researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to virtually see if their theories and equations function.

Immersing themselves in the action, scientists connected to the equipment are able to look around, over, or under the objects being studied. Remote control can also be used to move objects.

Because of this ability to see spatial relationships, immersive visualization takes ordinary visualization a step further.

The technology is extremely real as well. Some participants refuse to step over a visualization of a steep cliff, even though they know full well that they are safe and on solid ground in reality.

Such technology allows researchers to examine and manipulate everything from microscopic molecules to towering skyscrapers.

Users wear high-end 3-D glasses, in addition to a head-tracking device to track physical movement. The scientists then stand between two 8-by-8-foot video screens.

Current research involves the study of "smart gels," liquids that turn into gels when shaken or changed in temperature.

Unclear as to why this happens, researchers are using immersive visualization to gain understanding of the transition. Once their creation is comprehended, the gels can better be designed for other uses like shock absorbers, food additives, and treatments for tumors.

Future immersive visualization projects may add other qualities such as the ability to feel the textures of different materials and to look into dense objects such as rocks.