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

用于基础纳米科学和原子级器件的扫描探针显微镜

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-06075
• 负责人: Wolkow, Robert
• 金额: $ 4.44万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=738692
• 关键词: Scanning; Probe; Microscopies; Fundamental; Nano

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.

节能“绿色”电子平台 扫描探针显微镜 (SPM) 使用原子锋利的针描绘出地形。由于探头非常锋利，它可以记录所研究对象的原子大小的特征。如今，SPM 的功能远不止记录原子分辨图像。原子尺度上电的本质是可以探测的，原子之间存在的微小力也可以探测到。也许最令人兴奋的是拾取和放置原子来构建设计结构的能力。借助先进的计算建模工具，可以预测多原子系综的特性，并且该建模的结果表明可以设想一些令人惊叹的设备。然而到目前为止，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。我们开发了迄今为止最强大的原子制造工具，并且制造了微小的电线和开关，可以用来制造新型极其高效的电子产品——电话和电脑等等。这些工具包括原子编辑方法。当发生原子放置错误时，我们现在可以删除放错位置的原子，不留下任何痕迹。然后进行正确的放置。结果是真正完美的结构。除了比当今的微电子设备小得多之外，新的原型设备还更加节能。我们可以预见，我们的计算机的替代品的能效将提高 100 倍。制造这些革命性设备的准备工作已经在加拿大开始。扫描探针显微镜中使用的原子锐针也是加拿大的发明。由于该针具有多种用途和商业潜力，一家新的加拿大公司开始生产单原子尖端。