Visualizing the electron’s quantization with a ruler

Abstract More than 100 years ago, Robert Millikan demonstrated the quantization of electron using charged, falling droplets, but statistical analysis on many droplets did not allow a direct visualization charge. Instead letting fall, we have used optical levitation to create single droplet version Millikan’s experiment where effects removal can be observed by naked eye and measured with ruler. As added charges levitated droplet, that its equilibrium position jumped vertically in quantized steps. The discrete nature droplet’s jumps is consequence single-electron changes charge therefore clearly demonstrates steps were optically magnified onto wall filmed. We anticipate video these additions become straightforward demonstration for general audience.