Manipulation of atoms and molecules

N. V. Vitanov, M. Fleischhauer, B. W. Shore, and K. Bergmann. Coherent manipulation of atoms and molecules by sequential laser pulses. In B. Bederson and H. Walther, editors. Advances In Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, volume 46, pages 55-190. Academic Press, New York (2001). 

The promise of hottom-up nanotechnology has always depended on solving the problem of having a way to move individual atoms and molecules into desired positions. The best method yet developed to solve this problem is the family of scanning probe microscopes, which are now being used to produce a host of nanosize devices, some of which are discussed in the next section. DNA molecules may also become a powerful tool in the manipulation of atoms and molecules, although their potential has yet to be fully developed. 

MANIPULATION OF ATOMS AND MOLECULES WITH LASER RADIATION AND EXTERNAL FIELDS... 

Manipulation of atoms and molecules with a laser radiation and external fields Baer M. 

Summarizing, the resolution of these different instruments varies, as does the information that can be obtained with each. Each offers a specialized window on the atomic and molecular world each also involves special difficulties in interpreting the images obtained. One of the greatest problems in proximal probe imaging and manipulation of atoms and molecules lies in the difficulty in obtaining tips of consistent shape and known character. Even the tiniest variations in tip shape and composition — often a matter of just a few atoms — can cause variations in the results obtained. 

Despite their limitations, and despite the difficulties in making sense of the images obtained, proximal probes have added greatly to our capabilities to explore atomic and molecular-scale realms. More recently, they have also begun to provide us with the means to carry out precise, controlled manipulation of atoms and molecules. 

Although alloys do not typify the concept of structural composites or composite materials, they do demonstrate that the principle of their functionality applies on both very small and very large scales. The application of those principles on that small scale is increasingly relevant in the development of new and useful materials and methods and is intimately bound to the manipulation of atoms and molecules to produce specific atomic and molecular structures. Two examples illustrate the formation of structural composites from the atomic scale boron fiber and the combination of materials to produce specific electronic properties or physical structures. 

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