IBM records atomic behaviour

RESEARCHERS at IBM, apparently not satisfied at squinting very hard to observe atoms, have developed a technique to see how long atoms can hold information.

Using a tunneling electron microscope, also invented by IBM boffins, the technique allows scientists to observe, record and even visualise phenomena inside atoms. The researchers are most excited at being able to offer to scientists for the first time the ability to record time against their atomic experiments.

Although atomic 'reactions' could previously be observed, the IBM researchers claim the technique gives far higher resolution. Previously the shortest time slice would be one second, whereas with IBM's technique that has been decreased to one nanosecond. To put that into perspective, when it comes to atomic measurement the difference between one nanosecond and one second is about the same as between one second to one year.

As for what this breakthrough means, IBM is claiming that its technology will give quantum computing researchers a new way to explore the feasibility of a new approach to quantum computing through "atomic spins on surfaces". The firm also says that there could be applications to data storage, as it would be able to 'see' whether a single atom could hold data.

All this is some ways off from affecting your next computing purchase, however as atomic level research gathers pace, this latest discovery by IBM researchers could well help the firm and others produce genuinely useful products. µ