The EPSRC nanotechnology image library

Image by M. F. Crommie, C. P. Lutz and D. M. Eigler - Courtesy of IBM

A sequence of STM images depicting the gradual formation of a quantum corral. The tip of an STM - also used to create these images - was used to individually pick up each atom and reposition it.

The discovery of the STM's ability to image variations in the density distribution of surface state electrons, enabled the scientists to have complete control of not only the atomic landscape, but the electronic landscape also. Here they have positioned 48 iron atoms into a circular ring in order to "corral" some surface state electrons and force them into "quantum" states of the circular structure. The ripples in the ring of atoms are the density distribution of a particular set of quantum states of the corral. The scientists were delighted to discover that they could predict what goes on in the corral by solving the classic eigenvalue problem - a particle in a hard-wall box - in quantum mechanics.

This understanding could go some way to helping improve the design and fabrication of nano-scale devices.

This image is also available for download in the following formats:

• Image format = JPEG; physical size = 1280x1457 pixels; file size = 536 KB : DOWNLOAD

 

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. All image post-treatments by Andy Eccleston.