The Synthescope: A Vision for Combining Synthesis with Atomic Fabrication

TL;DR

This paper envisions transforming the scanning transmission electron microscope into an atomic-scale fabrication tool, enabling real-time imaging, characterization, and manipulation of materials at the atomic level for advanced scientific applications.

Contribution

It proposes a novel conceptual framework for repurposing electron microscopes as atomic fabrication platforms, expanding their capabilities beyond imaging to include synthesis and manipulation.

Findings

Reconceptualization of electron microscopes as fabrication tools

Potential impact on microelectronics, quantum science, and catalysis

Pathways for developing atomic-scale synthesis techniques

Abstract

The scanning transmission electron microscope, a workhorse instrument in materials characterization, is being transformed into an atomic-scale material manipulation platform. With an eye on the trajectory of recent developments and the obstacles toward progress in this field, we provide a vision for a path toward an expanded set of capabilities and applications. We reconceptualize the microscope as an instrument for fabrication and synthesis with the capability to image and characterize atomic-scale structural formation as it occurs. Further development and refinement of this approach may have substantial impact on research in microelectronics, quantum information science, and catalysis where precise control over atomic scale structure and chemistry of a few "active sites" can have a dramatic impact on larger scale functionality and where developing a better understanding of atomic scale processes can help point the way to larger scale synthesis approaches.