See atoms and molecules more clearly than ever

Leo Gross and colleagues at IBM in Zurich, Switzerland, modified the atomic force microscopy technique to make the most detailed image yet of pentacene, an organic molecule consisting of five benzene rings. Although the molecule is highly fragile, the researchers were able to capture the details of the hexagonal carbon rings and deduce the position of the surrounding hydrogen atoms. The IBM researchers believe their technique may open the door to super-powerful computers made from components built out of precisely positioned atoms and molecules. The work may also provide insights into the actions of catalysts in chemical reactions, potentially allowing researchers to understand what is happening at the atomic level.