In 1996, IBM scientists started positioning individual molecules at room temperature based on:
Atomic Force Microscope
Scanning Tunneling Microscope
Transmission Electron Microscope
Scanning Electron Microscope
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: Atomic Force Microscope
Explanation (300 words):
In 1996, IBM scientists made a groundbreaking advancement in nanotechnology by manipulating individual molecules at room temperature using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). This technique marked a significant milestone in the ability to control matter at the atomic and molecular level, paving the way for innovations in nanoscience and molecular engineering.
The Atomic Force Microscope works by using a sharp tip—only a few nanometers wide—attached to a cantilever. As the tip is brought close to the surface of a sample, it experiences atomic forces (like van der Waals forces) from the atoms on the surface. These interactions cause deflections in the cantilever, which are measured using a laser beam reflected off the top of the cantilever. These measurements allow the AFM to produce incredibly detailed images of surfaces at the atomic scale.
What sets the AFM apart, especially in IBM’s work, is its ability not just to image atoms but also to manipulate them. In 1996, IBM scientists demonstrated the positioning of individual molecules at room temperature, which was revolutionary because earlier techniques required extremely low (cryogenic) temperatures to maintain stability. This room-temperature operation opened up practical applications for nanotechnology in real-world environments.
AFM’s precision is so high that researchers can push, pull, or even pick up single atoms and molecules and move them to a desired location. This is crucial in fields like molecular electronics, materials science, and biotechnology, where designing matter from the bottom up (atom by atom) is the ultimate goal.
In contrast, other microscopes like the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) are also capable of atomic manipulation, but they typically require ultra-low temperatures and conductive samples, limiting their practical use. AFM, with its versatility and capability at room temperature, was key to IBM’s 1996 breakthrough.
