Boy and His Atom, A

Synopsis

The ability to move single atoms, one of the smallest particles of any element in the universe, is crucial to IBM’s research in the field of atomic-scale memory. In 2012, IBM scientists announced the creation of the world’s smallest magnetic memory bit, made of just twelve atoms. This breakthrough could transform computing by providing the world with devices that have access to unprecedented levels of data storage.

This film - a light-hearted by-product of IBM’s research - was made by using a scanning tunneling microscope to move thousands of carbon monoxide molecules (two atoms stacked on top of each other). The resulting movie is so small it can be seen only when magnified 100 million times.

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of release

2012

Subjects

Information technology

Keywords

atoms; computer animation; computer art; computer science; nanotechnology

Online availability

URI

http://www.research.ibm.com/articles/madewithatoms.shtml

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed/Download

Distributor

Name

IBM