Scanning Probe Microscopies for Fundamental Nano-Science and Atom-Scale Devices

高效节能的“绿色”电子产品平台 * 扫描探针显微镜（SPM）使用原子级针尖描绘形貌。 由于探针非常锋利，它可以记录被调查对象的原子大小的特征。今天，SPM可以做的不仅仅是记录原子分辨率的图片。原子尺度上的电的性质可以被探测到，原子之间存在的微小力也可以被探测到。也许最令人兴奋的是拾取和放置原子以构建设计结构的能力。利用先进的计算建模工具，可以预测多原子系综的性质，并且，建模的结果清楚地表明，可以设想一些壮观的设备。然而，直到现在，还没有人能够实现这些设计。 这些工具在任何实验室中都不存在。*我们已经开发出了迄今为止发现的最有能力的原子制造工具，我们已经制造出了微小的电线和开关，这些电线和开关可以制造出新的极其高效的电子产品，电话和计算机等等。这些工具包括原子编辑方法。当一个原子的位置发生错误时，我们现在可以删除错位的原子，不留下任何痕迹。然后做一个正确的定位。真正完美的结构结果。**除了比今天的微型电子设备小得多之外，新的原型设备的能源效率要高得多。我们可以预见，我们的计算机将被替换，其能效将提高100倍。制造这些革命性设备的准备工作已经开始，就在加拿大这里。用于扫描探针显微镜的原子尖针也是加拿大人的发明。由于这种针具有多种用途和商业潜力，一家新的加拿大公司正在开始制造单原子针尖。*****

A Platform for Energy Efficient “Green” Electronics******Scanning probe microscopes (SPMs) trace out topography with an atom-sharp needle. Because the probe is so very sharp, it can record atom-sized features of the subject under investigation. Today, SPMs can do much more than record atom-resolved pictures. The nature of electricity at the atom scale can be probed, as can the ever so tiny forces that exist between atoms. Perhaps most exciting is the ability to pick up and place atoms to build designed structures.******With advanced computational modeling tools, it is possible to predict properties of multi-atom ensembles, and, results of that modeling make it clear that some spectacular devices can be envisaged. Until now, however, no one could realize those designs. The tools did not exist in any lab.******We have developed the most capable tools yet discovered for atom-crafting and we have made the tiny wires and switches that could allow new extremely efficient electronics phones and computers and more to be made. The tools include atomic editing methods. When an atom placement error is made, we can now remove the misplaced atom, leaving no vestige whatever that it was ever there. Then make a correct placement. Truly perfect structures result.******In addition to being far smaller than today's micro electronic devices, the new prototyped devices are far more energy efficient. We can foresee replacements for our computers that are 100 times more energy efficient. Preparations to manufacturing these revolutionary devices has already begun, right here in Canada.******The atom sharp needle used in the scanning probe microscope is also a Canadian invention. Because that needle has diverse uses and commercial potential, a new Canadian company is starting to manufacture the single atom tips. *****