Seeing and catching atoms: ORNL`s atom probe field ion microscope
The concept of the atom has existed since the 5th century B.C., but it was not until the 19th century that this concept was developed into a scientific theory. Even then, the ability to see individual atoms was considered an impossible task because they must be magnified a million times to be visible. However, in 1951 Erwin W. Mueller, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, achieved this magnification after constructing a fundamentally new type of microscope that he called a field ion microscope. The device enabled him to see atoms on a routine basis. This device has been further refined with the addition of solid state detectors, and the coupling of mass spectrometers to be referred to as an atom probe. In the 1980`s ORNL added such a device within the Metals and Ceramics Division, and the resultant device was constructed to provide a three-dimensional image of samples. The ORNL instrument is the only atom probe in a DOE facility available to outside users.
- OSTI ID:
- 478907
- Journal Information:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review, Journal Name: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 28; ISSN 0048-1262; ISSN ORNRAH
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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