What is an atomic probe?
The atomic probe is a microscope with the abilities of resolution when viewed and analyzing atomic sizes. Specifically, the atomic probe is used in the field of material sciences, discipline, which applies different properties of matter to other sciences and engineering industry. The device allows scientists to examine the molecular structure at the atomic level and determine the macroscopic properties of the materials. Applied physics, chemistry, nanoscience and forensic engineering use a tool to identify the characteristics of the necessary research components.
One of the important aspects of the atomic probe microscope is the use of spectroscopy technology over time. This technique measures the time frame in which it passes through the atom or other objects to pass a certain medium. It can also be used with different energy events such as electromagnetic waves. The purpose is to determine the speed or length of the path and to determine the flow of albinths or other phenomena. In principle, the electric field is used to accelerate ions in the medium that can measure kinetic energy andUsed to find speed.
ion microscopy fields are also used in the atomic probe as a technique for analysis. This identifies the image and composition of the atoms on the surface of the sharp metal tip of the object. The radius must be less than 50 nanometers and placed in a vacuum chamber with extremely low pressures. Imaging gas such as helium or neon is introduced while cryogenic temperatures are determined. After starting the electric field, the ions are positively charged and increased the composition of the tip.
One of the most advanced forms of this technology is the atomic probe of tomography. In the process, a position sensitive detector is used to generate three -dimensional images. This improvement in technology using laser pulses can be used to view components of other materials except metals. Certain semiconductor materials such as silicon or other insulating materials can be analyzed using this method of atomic probe technology.
The atomic probe was primarily designed by German physicist Erwin Wilhelm Muller in 1967. Other scientists such as J.A. Panitz and S. Brooks McLane at that time spread by a concept. However, technology in the field of material science has happened until the commercialization of laser pulse atomic probes in 2005.