What will higher resolution microscopes see?

In summary, the article discusses the need for higher resolution microscopes to map atoms in order to fully understand the properties of materials. The goal is to achieve a resolution of 0.1 Å, as stated by physicist Richard Feynman in his 1959 lecture. Examples of high-resolution images, such as pictures of Graphene from IBM, are already common. However, at a 10x better resolution, quantum mechanics becomes relevant and the images will depend on the measurement and visualization techniques. An example of a microscope installation that explores a dimension not mentioned by Feynman is a sub-picosecond high-resolution TEM, which can map dynamic processes on an atomic scale.
  • #1
edguy99
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The Nature article http://www.nature.com/news/microscopy-hasten-high-resolution-1.16393 talks about the importance of the higher resolution microscopes: "Build precision microscopes to map atoms", and "To truly understand materials' chemical and physical properties, atomic arrangements need to be mapped with much greater precision. Resolutions of 0.1 Å — the goal set by physicist Richard Feynman in his 1959 American Physical Society lecture, 'There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom'"

These type of pictures of Graphene from ibm are pretty common:
graphene.jpg


What kind of picture will we see as resolution becomes 10x better? Are there some examples out there already?
 
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  • #2
That is not an image of the microscope. It is a computer-generated image to visualize the actual measurements.
On that scale, quantum mechanics becomes relevant and the measurements depend on the way you measure. And the computer-generated images additionally depend on the visualization technique. There is no "image with a 10x better resolution".
 
  • #3
edguy99 said:
The Nature article http://www.nature.com/news/microscopy-hasten-high-resolution-1.16393 talks about the importance of the higher resolution microscopes: "Build precision microscopes to map atoms", and "To truly understand materials' chemical and physical properties, atomic arrangements need to be mapped with much greater precision. Resolutions of 0.1 Å — the goal set by physicist Richard Feynman in his 1959 American Physical Society lecture, 'There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom'"

These type of pictures of Graphene from ibm are pretty common:
graphene.jpg


What kind of picture will we see as resolution becomes 10x better? Are there some examples out there already?
I saw a microscope installation that explores a dimension not mentioned by Feyman - time A sub-picosec high res TEM can map dynamic processes on an atomic scale
http://experts.umn.edu/pubDetail.asp?t=pm&id=84867549845&n=David+J+Flannigan&u_id=4936&oe_id=1&o_id=9[/URL]
 
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1. What is the difference between resolution and magnification in microscopes?

Resolution refers to the ability of a microscope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects, while magnification refers to the degree to which the image of an object is enlarged. Higher resolution microscopes are able to see smaller details than lower resolution microscopes, but this does not necessarily mean they will see larger objects more clearly.

2. How are higher resolution microscopes able to see smaller details?

Higher resolution microscopes use advanced techniques such as shorter wavelengths of light or electron beams to increase the amount of detail that can be seen. They also have improved optics and more precise focusing mechanisms to enhance resolution.

3. What is the limit of resolution for microscopes?

The limit of resolution for microscopes is determined by the wavelength of the light or electrons used to view the object. The smallest distance that can be distinguished is approximately half the wavelength of the light or electrons. For visible light microscopes, this limit is around 200 nanometers.

4. Can higher resolution microscopes see beyond the limit of resolution?

No, higher resolution microscopes cannot see beyond the limit of resolution set by the wavelength of light or electrons. However, they can use techniques such as super-resolution microscopy to overcome this limit and see smaller details.

5. What are some potential applications of higher resolution microscopes?

Higher resolution microscopes have a wide range of applications in fields such as biology, medicine, materials science, and nanotechnology. They can be used to study the structure and function of cells, tissues, and molecules in greater detail, leading to advances in disease diagnosis, drug development, and material design.

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