Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Eternal Student on 06/05/2022 21:52:08

Title: How do you move an atom with an atomic force microscope?
Post by: Eternal Student on 06/05/2022 21:52:08

Hi.

    Moving atoms is often done with a STM (Scanning tunneling microscope).   There are several references for that.

Apparently you can also do this with an AFM  (Atomic Force Microscope).   Does anyone know a good reference for that or could briefly explain how it is done?   When I say "how" I also mean "why" it works. 

    Some low-quality references suggest there is a need to oscillate the probe tip to press down on the atom while simultaneously sweeping slightly in the direction you wish the atom to move.   By "sweeping" I mean something like using a dustpan and brush -  lift the tip slightly at the right and move back to the left, move the tip down slightly while moving left to right, repeat until the atom is moved.   "pushing down" seems difficult:  For example, If you have something like a Lennard-Jones potential determining the force between the probe tip and atom, how do you even get a downward force without getting so close to the atom that you are effectively in direct contact?   i.d.k.

    There's this reference in Nature but the article is paywalled and I'm not in a rush to buy it.   I might see if I can find it in a library sometime soon.
https://www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2009.347

Best Wishes.

Title: Re: How do you move an atom with an atomic force microscope?
Post by: Zer0 on 06/10/2022 11:18:30

I realise this reply is way too delayed...
But i like the Principle of better Late than Never.

https://afm.oxinst.com/outreach/how-does-an-afm-microscope-work

P.S. - maybe you had already found what you were seeking for, in that case Best Wishes.
😊

Title: Re: How do you move an atom with an atomic force microscope?
Post by: Eternal Student on 08/10/2022 02:55:26

Thanks @Zer0

   The website you found is certainly on the right topic.   Thank you very much for looking for this.  Sadly it's a bit general and simple.   I haven't gone as far as downloading what they call their "white paper" (which might contain more details) because it asks for many personal information and warns that I'll be on their mailing lists and they will process my data for commercial purposes etc.

Best Wishes.

Title: Re: How do you move an atom with an atomic force microscope?
Post by: Zer0 on 08/10/2022 03:10:09

You're Most Welcome Eternal.

I would have gone ahead & created a Dummy Account to get the Info.

Or perhaps asked a close friend of mine to Help.

TC!

P.S. - I've been put on a similar spot at times, i entered crappy stuff to get thru certain doors.

Title: Re: How do you move an atom with an atomic force microscope?
Post by: Zer0 on 09/10/2022 05:19:38

@Eternal Student

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P.S. - EnJoy!