2 men and a microscope spell 'I.B.M.' in atoms

Article Abstract:

Two scientists at the IBM Almaden Research Center have discovered a way to put individual atoms into patterns on a flat surface by using a scanning tunnel microscope. Other scientists have been able to manipulate individual atoms, but no one has ever before had such precision of movement with them. Donald M. Eigler and Erhard K. Schweizer say the technology has no immediate applications, but that it may be applied to the creation of custom-designed molecules to be used in atom-sized transistors. The team's first experiment was to spell out 'IBM' with atoms on a flat nickel crystal. The sample was chilled with liquid helium to 452 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. A beam of xenon atoms was sprayed at the chilled crystal, leaving a random pattern of atoms. The scientists made xenon chains similar to molecules and the 'IBM' pattern by dragging the atoms into position using the microscope.

Commercial physical research, Research, Technological forecasting, Product introduction, Atoms, Scanning tunneling microscopy, Stereochemistry, Future of Computing, Scientific Research, New Technique, Transistor, International Business Machines Corp. Almaden Research Center, Eigler, Donald M., Schweizer, Erhard K.

---

Bridging a gap for blind PC users

Article Abstract:

Computer makers and software publishers are creating new products for visually handicapped microcomputer users. One software program allows blind persons to choose between on-screen icons or menus, reading images aloud. Some observers express concern that the fast pace of technology will further disadvantage blind people, but companies such as IBM are working to make advanced technology available. Software developers face obstacles in making programs available to the blind because the current trend is towards graphics-based representation. Translating words on the screen to synthesized speech is less daunting a task than translating icons into synthesized speech.

Electronic computers, Prepackaged software, Software, Microcomputers, Visually disabled persons, Visually impaired persons, Blind, Blind persons, Speech synthesis, Microcomputer, Voice Synthesis, Handicapped, Software packages

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: 'I mean, raise pure hell'. His bid gamble. In search of the gods
• Abstracts: Summertime and the computin's easy. Learning to save trees. Planning for summertime is not always a picnic; blackouts, brownouts and power spikes require a strategy for hot weather
• Abstracts: A leader at I.B.M. is leaving: an heir apparent is going to Hughes. Unisys case settlement seen as near: company is reported ready to admit guilt in military procurement
• Abstracts: End is urged to duty on flat screens. Suddenly Sparkling. Experts say it is easy to pick up conversations on cellular phones
• Abstracts: Former I.B.M. scientist to head Mitsubishi lab. PBS series will stroll into 'virtual reality'. Do employees have a right to electronic privacy? The ethics of E-mail monitoring is unexplored corporate territory

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.