Epistemological challenges in the production of nanotechnology images

Abstract

It is common practice within the natural sciences to represent research results in the form of images. Photographs, diagrams, scans and other types of methodologies are employed like MRI, STM, AFM etc. According to Dondero and Fontanille, the complete sequence involved in the creation of a scientific image includes four stages: excitation, signal-response, transduction and visualization. Important qualities of scientific images include being informative and reproducible. Bontems claims that once information is extracted from these images, they enter a second “life cycle” in which their aesthetic power is used to create greater psycho-social impressions. Nanotechnology takes place on the scale of atoms and in doing so, challenges the classical laws of physics and subsequently imaging techniques. Using Dondero’s and Fontanille’s ideas as a starting point, this study will provide some insight into the epistemological perils during the creation of nanotechnology images. Excitation on the nanoscale involves quantum phenomena that diverge from classical causality relations. The blurring between probe and substrate in signal-response mechanisms requires systemic approaches instead of treating instrument and substrate as clearly distinct objects. Finally, transduction depends on mathematical modeling, with different models producing different results. And while scientists do their best to deal with some of these issues, the viewer’s preconceptions of nanoscopic images greatly affect the meaning being communicated.

Keywords

• scientific images, epistemology, nanotechnology, science mediation