High-resolution field electron microscopy: atomic orbitals imaging

Abstract

A recently developed high-field technique of atomic chains preparation has made it possible to attain the ultrahigh resolution of field-emission electron microscopy, which can be used for direct imaging of the intraatomic electron structure. Application of cryogenic microscope has allowed to obtain the spatial configuration of atomic orbitals that correspond to quantized states of the end atom in free-standing carbon atomic chains. The obtained result shows the possibility to visualize the major aspects of quantum mechanics and may facilitate creation and development of new approaches in nanotechnology applications.