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

能效“绿色”电子的平台*扫描探针显微镜(SPM)用原子一样锋利的针追踪地形。由于探头非常锋利，它可以记录下被调查对象原子大小的特征。今天，SPM可以做的不仅仅是记录原子分辨率的照片。可以探索原子尺度上的电的性质，就像原子之间存在的微小作用力一样。也许最令人兴奋的是拾取和放置原子来构建设计的结构的能力。*使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装置。然而，到目前为止，还没有人能实现这些设计。这些工具在任何实验室中都不存在。*我们已经开发出迄今发现的最有能力的原子制造工具，我们已经制造了微小的电线和开关，可以制造出新的极其高效的电子电话和计算机，以及更多。这些工具包括原子编辑方法。当原子放置错误时，我们现在可以移除错位的原子，无论它曾经在那里留下什么痕迹。然后做一个正确的位置。真正完美的结构产生了。*除了比今天的微电子设备小得多之外，新的原型设备也更节能。我们可以预见，我们的计算机将被取代，其能效将提高100倍。就在加拿大，制造这些革命性设备的准备工作已经开始。扫描探针显微镜中使用的原子尖针也是加拿大的发明。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尖端。*****

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. *****