Monday, August 26, 2013

First Million Digits of Pi Successfully Micro-Engraved on 3-Inch Gold and Sapphire Pendant

On Friday, a Reno, Nev.-based microfabrication firm revealed that it successfully engraved the first million digits of the infinite number pi on a three-inch gold and sapphire pendant. This amazing technology has exciting jewelry applications, and the "pi" accomplishment is neatly timed to align with next year's especially significant Pi Day.

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Pi Day is celebrated around the world on March 14, because the first three digits of pi are 3.14. Next year's Pi Day celebration will be particularly memorable as 3/14/15 represent the first five digits of pi, 3.1415.

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"We plan to revolutionize jewelry, fashion and art with a light-scattering marriage of technology and meaning," said Jesse Adams, Ph.D., and co-founder of NanoJems.

Imagine wearing the complete text of William Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets (that’s 17,700 words) micro-engraved on a quarter-inch crystal and mounted in a heart locket? Or perhaps you’d like to own a pendant featuring two micro-engraved crystals containing the 90,000 words of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

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Using a patented micro-engraving technology, NanoJems makes it all possible. The company can print characters so small that 10 could fit neatly across the width of a human hair. The engravings can be read using a high-powered microscope.

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What’s more, the technology also allows for image printing. The company can produce Instagram and Facebook mashups that combine up to 30 images and up to 20,000 words into custom light-projectable collectibles. NanoJems explained that a micro-engraved mashup could be projected using an iPhone or Android flashlight or other light source.

The company described its creative “canvas” as either uniform crystals or solid, thin slices of pure sapphire, which can be intricately patterned with gold and platinum and other precious metals and films. It also can be covered with translucent layer of diamond.

NanoJems is attempting to generate new funding with a Kickstarter campaign that ends at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27. As of Monday morning, NanoJems had received pledges of $9,796 toward its goal of $16,800.

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