Focussing quantum states

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum mechanical scattering can be used to create electronic structures smaller than an atom, enabling ultrafine device features and improved microscopy tips.

Contribution

It demonstrates that quantum scattering in specific geometries allows fabrication of features below atomic size, surpassing traditional atomic limits.

Findings

Features smaller than a hydrogen atom can be achieved.

Potential applications in device fabrication and microscopy.

Quantum scattering enables surpassing atomic size constraints.

Abstract

Does the size of atoms present a lower limit to the size of electronic structures that can be fabricated in solids? This limit can be overcome by using devices that exploit quantum mechanical scattering of electron waves at atoms arranged in focussing geometries on selected surfaces. Calculations reveal that features smaller than a hydrogen atom can be obtained. These structures are potentially useful for device applications and offer a route to the fabrication of ultrafine and well defined tips for scanning tunneling microscopy.