Nanotechnologists from the University of Nottingham have recently produced the world’s smallest table, which they have carved on a strand of human hair, with the help of ion beam writer and electron microscope.

The periodic table, which was etched on the hair of a Nottingham University Professor, Martyn Poliakoff, and presented to him on his birthday, comprises the carving of the symbols of all the 118 elements in an amazingly small space - seven times smaller than a full-stop.

According to experts, the table that the Nottingham University scientists have etched on the hair-strand is so small that it can be replicated almost one million times on a typical Post-it note.

Talking about the stupendous feat achieved by his fellow scientists, Professor Poliakoff said: “I was promised a present from the nanotechnology centre. It is by far the smallest table I’ve ever seen. Imagine how many I could get on my whole head.”

Further noting that the entire procedure of etching the periodic table on the hair-strand was made simple by microscopist Dr Mike Fay, professor Poliakoff said that despite the fact that the application was essentially a lighthearted one, it nonetheless enabled the scientists to show to the world the manner in which such small ‘nano writing’ is done.