wavelength

"In order to generate short pulses, we need to amplify the incoming light beam and cover a wide range of wavelengths."

As Graham explains, "As the light travels across expanding space to reach us, its wavelength stretches as does time itself."

"If you build a map at a wavelength that water absorbs, you'll see the water deck in the atmosphere, whereas a wavelength that water does not absorb will probe deeper," Challener explained.

"When combined with regular light microscopy methods, expansion microscopy allows scientists to bypass the standard wavelength barriers which limit how small a structure can be resolved using light microscopy," said Guichard and Hamel.

To create this vivid portrait, astronomers combined observations through multiple filters that isolate different wavelengths of light.