Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new method for creating extremely small metallic structures using laser light to focus chromium atoms onto silicon surfaces. This “atom optics” technique allows precise placement of atoms to form patterns as small as 65 nanometers wide, potentially enabling the creation of even smaller electronic components.
The NIST team, led by physicist Jabez McClelland, used laser light waves to channel chromium atoms onto a silicon surface. This marks the first time this method has been used to create durable metallic structures. The technique could potentially be used to create electronic wires only a few atoms wide, pushing the limits of miniaturization in electronics.
The research builds on previous work using light to focus sodium atoms, but represents a significant advancement in creating practical metallic structures. NIST scientists are now working on creating more complex patterns and shapes that could be useful in microelectronic devices.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/1993/11/physicists-use-laser-light-focus-atoms-surfaces
Keywords: chromium, atom, laser, silicon, nanostructures
