IBM scientists, in collaboration with the University of Regensburg in Germany, are the first ever to measure the force it takes to move individual atoms on a surface. This fundamental measurement provides important information for designing future atomic-scale devices: computer chips, miniaturized storage devices, and more.
Measuring the force it takes to move a cobalt atom on a crystalline surface
Date added:
21 Feb 2008
Illustration of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tip measuring the force it takes to move a cobalt atom on a crystalline surface. The ability to measure the exact force it takes to move individual atoms is one of the keys to designing and constructing the small structures that will enable future nanotechnologies.
Measuring the force it takes to move a cobalt atom on a crystalline surface
Date added:
21 Feb 2008
Illustration of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tip measuring the force it takes to move a cobalt atom on a crystalline surface. The ability to measure the exact force it takes to move individual atoms is one of the keys to designing and constructing the small structures that will enable future nanotechnologies.
The AFM uses a sharp tip mounted on a flexible beam – akin to a tiny diving board – to measure the interaction between the tip and the atoms on a surface. In the present work, the flexible beam was actually a miniature quartz tuning fork of the type commonly found in clocks and wrist watches. When the tip is positioned close to an atom on the surface, the frequency of the tuning fork changes slightly. The frequency change can be analyzed to determine the force exerted on the atom.
Forces acting on the AFM tip - cobalt atom on copper surface
Date added:
21 Feb 2008
The measured energy landscape when dragging a cobalt atom over a copper surface (Cu(111)). The arrows show the forces that are acting on the AFM tip as it manipulates the molecules.
Forces acting on the AFM tip - carbon monoxide molecule on copper surface
Date added:
21 Feb 2008
The measured energy landscape when dragging a carbon monoxide molecule over a copper surface (Cu(111)). The arrows show the forces that are acting on the AFM tip as it manipulates the molecules.
The heart of the specialized Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) used by IBM Researchers to measure the force to move individual atoms. Approximate size: L=5cm (2"), W=4.5cm(1.8"), H=3 cm(1.2")
The miniature "tuning fork" inside the AFM used in this IBM Research work. The tuning fork measures the interaction between the tip of the microscope and the atoms on a surface; when the tip is positioned close to an atom on the surface, the frequency of the tuning fork changes slightly. The frequency change can be analyzed to determine the force exerted on the atom. Approximate size of the view: 1.7cm(0.7") x 2.5cm (1")).
An even closer look at the miniature "tuning fork" inside the AFM used in this IBM Research work. The tuning fork measures the interaction between the tip of the microscope and the atoms on a surface; when the tip is positioned close to an atom on the surface, the frequency of the tuning fork changes slightly. The frequency change can be analyzed to determine the force exerted on the atom.
