To see more pictures, click: Honorable Runner-ups Pictures Gallery
2026, April
Now accepting submissions for March contest. Deadline for submission is Monday, May 4, 2026, at midnight. Rules for submission.
2026, March
The Swiss Micro-Mosaic
Pierre Demolon, Richemont
This SEM image is a topographic representation of Switzerland, obtained using the Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT+. The colored parts represent micro-printed blocks assembled to form the picture. Due to imperfect stitching, the image looks like a puzzle, which is aligned with the idea of Switzerland: harmonious unity despite its multiple differences.
2026, February
The GaN-Horn
Stefano Marinoni, LMSC
Forget the Matterhorn, the Eiger, and the Dents du Midi: the next great climbing challenge is found at CMi. This 30 μm-tall Gallium Nitride pinnacle was sculpted by wet etching a pyramidal structure in TMAH, revealing crystalline terraces and hidden couloirs. The summit is protected by a silicon dioxide dome. Image captured using the Zeiss Merlin.
2026, January
Eyes looking through the dark
Shulang Shen, LMIS1
This image comes from a failed attempt at nanoimprint lithography, where trapped bubbles formed this special totem looking owl. Two large round eyes looking through the darkness, may us all constantly strive to see beyond illusion and obscurity, to uncover the fundamental laws underlying the world.
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