New technique to manipulate atoms discovered
Researchers from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) in Spain, along with colleagues from all around the world, have discovered a new technique to manipulate atoms.
Devices that make it possible for scientists to visualize and manipulate atoms are called proximity microscopes. There are two types of these microscopes: STM and AFM. The STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscope) was developed in 1986 and earned its creators (G. Binning and H. Rohrer) the Nobel prize for physics.
Now, in this study, researchers have developed a new technique which is based on AFM, and which allows them to build stable atomic structures at room temperature.
The methods that already exist aren’t really fully functional — they are based on pushing or pulling atoms from the surface of a material using the tip of the microscope and require very low temperatures. The new technique, however, is based on the controlled interchange of an atom at the tip for a surface atom when the two are close enough. Using the atoms at the tip (that are chemically different to those at the surface) as ink, it is possible to write or draw with the microscope. This interchange process can be repeated in different positions over the surface to form complex structures very efficiently. In particular, this group has written the chemical symbol for silicon Si (which is the chemical element used as ink) on a surface covered with tin atoms.
The new technique significantly reduces the time needed to realize complex atomic structures. What makes it special is that it can even be used in room temperature, unlike previous methods. The method will be of greatest use in material science, nanotechnology and molecular electronics.
The research is published in the journal Science.
Source: uam.es
