Small in Size but Humongous Significance

      Most people who study chemistry are aware of the importance of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) which provides chemists views of substances on an atomic level. Though this is a great feat in itself, Nobel Prize Winner, Don Eigler of IBM, has multiplied the potential of this tool immensely. Eigler has invented a new STM which not only provides images on the atomic level but can also position and move atoms. IBM releases more details in their article: http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view.php?person=almaden-eigler. Most STMs use a needle to trace and create an image of a surface which normally looks like the image shown below.

In very simple terms, a STM has a needle tip ending with a single atom which conducts a current of electricity to other atoms on the surface. The needle then passes over the surface, scanning for changes in voltage allowing the microscope to create these three-dimensional images. Don Eigler's STM has been modified so it can use its needle to position atoms on a surface. He demonstrated this by spelling out "I-B-M" using atoms. 

The precision and level of technology needed to organize atoms in such a way is incredible. Prior to arranging atoms, Eigler first cools samples to low temperatures to produce little to no motion of atoms so they may be arranged using the needle. Since Eigler's new STM can manipulate atoms, this greatly opens the door for future technology. Instantly, I think of medical uses for this technology. Small devices can be manufactured using tools such as this microscope to be placed in the body to regulate body functions. Maybe these microscopic devices could even cure deficiencies many humans possess. This is most likely why IBM researched how to manipulate the arrangement of atoms because they know this is where potential for future technology lies. Now because of Don Eigler, technology can be manufactured at any size. Not only does Eigler deserve a Nobel Peace Prize, but he deserves to have street names in his honor, multiple statues, and places in textbooks so future generations can marvel at his stunning accomplishment.