Exploring the Scanning Tunneling Microscope

In the late 1970s, physicists Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer aimed to see individual atoms in materials like silicon to improve electronics. They invented the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), which uses a sharp needle and quantum tunneling to detect atoms. This breakthrough allowed for detailed atomic imaging and led to advancements in nanoscale engineering and data storage. The STM remains a vital tool in various scientific fields, enabling the manipulation and observation of atoms and molecules.

What was the primary motivation for Binnig and Rohrer to see individual atoms?

• To study biological cells

• To improve electronic components

• To create a new type of metal

• To develop a new form of energy

What was the first major challenge in developing the STM?

• Creating a vacuum environment

• Designing a powerful computer

• Finding a suitable metal for the microscope

• Making a needle with an atom-thick tip

Which technique did Binnig and Rohrer use to create a sharp needle tip?

• Electrochemical etching

• Laser cutting

• Mechanical grinding

• Thermal molding

What phenomenon allows the STM to detect individual atoms?

• Optical reflection

• Thermal expansion

• Quantum tunneling

• Magnetic resonance

How did Binnig and Rohrer control vibrations in their STM setup?

• Employing a vacuum chamber

• Using soundproof walls

• Levitating the apparatus with magnets

• Placing it underground

What was the significant breakthrough achieved by the STM?

• Capturing images of molecules

• Creating a new type of metal

• Mapping the surface of silicon at an atomic level

• Developing a new form of energy

What is one of the key applications of the STM in microbiology?

• Measuring cell growth

• Recording videos of molecular movement

• Detecting viruses

• Analyzing DNA sequences

How has the STM contributed to the field of data storage?

• By developing new types of magnets

• By magnetizing individual atoms for storage

• By creating larger hard drives

• By increasing the speed of data transfer

What new field was opened up by the ability to manipulate atoms with the STM?

• Nanoscale engineering

• Quantum computing

• Astrophysics

• Biotechnology

What is a potential future application of the STM in technology?

• Creating new types of batteries

• Designing faster computers

• Developing atomic-level data storage

• Building larger telescopes