He is just 0.01mm across and measures about a fifth of the width of a human hair — the world’s smallest ‘snowman’ can be found in a British laboratory.
Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in West London have created the smallest ever miniature figure from two tin beads, usually used to calibrate electron microscope lenses, which were welded together with platinum.
A focused ion beam was used to carve the snowman’s eyes and smile, and to deposit a tiny blob of platinum for the nose, The Telegraph reported.
It was put together by Dr David Cox, a member of the Quantum Detection group at the laboratory, who also took the picture.
However, Britons searching for the real thing will have to head for the northern hills of Scotland, where forecasters say there is a chance of snow falling over the weekend.
The NPL is one of Britain’s leading science facilities and research centres. It is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement.