Pym Particle

The Pym Particle is an invention by Dr. Hank Pym. The Pym Particle is a subatomic particle that exhibits unique space-time curvature when exposed to radiation. It is kept suspended in a viscous liquid to keep it stable and control energy regulation.

Excess object mass is shunted into hyperspace and the volume of the exposed item is reduced, allowing a grown person to shrink to near microscopic sizes or grow to some fifty feet in height. Secondary controls allow the user to adjust the scale of electrostatic repulsion; this corrects for many of the issues of force over area that might otherwise be encountered, and adjust the mass/weight ratio rapidly as well. Thus, an insect-sized man could throw a punch with a strength/weight ratio corrected even by the q^2 ratio, but still maneuver through an environment without destroying it. Additional applications have been found that can allow users to manipulate size, strength, and density almost independently of one another.

Most people using Pym radiation require enclosed environmental suits. Metagene responses to Pym radiation have resulted in secondary powers that address issues such as q^2 weight, density, heat buildup, and respiration.

Pym Particles cannot typically be used to store shrunken objects for prolonged periods of time. After an hour, items energetically return to full size, potentially damaging the item or environment. Expensive and highly specialized suits and pieces of equipment (such as Nadia Pym-van Dyne's crystal laboratory) are exceptions to the rule. Long-term storage of shrunk items otherwise requires significant power generation and radiation shields that are grossly cost-ineffective.

Prolonged exposure to the Pym Particle exacerbated Pym's underlying schizophrenic disorders. Other users have not seen a similar effect.