IBM Scientists Image Individual Molecular Bonds Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Posted on September 14, 2012

IBM scientists have used a technique called atomic force microscopy (AFM) to distinguish individual molecular bonds in a molecule. The scientists imaged the bond order and length of individual carbon-carbon bonds in a hexabenzocoronene molecule. The research is the cover story of the September 14th issue of Science magazine.

IBM scientist Leo Gross said in a release, "We found two different contrast mechanisms to distinguish bonds. The first one is based on small differences in the force measured above the bonds. We expected this kind of contrast but it was a challenge to resolve. The second contrast mechanism really came as a surprise: Bonds appeared with different lengths in AFM measurements. With the help of ab initio calculations we found that the tilting of the carbon monoxide molecule at the tip apex is the cause of this contrast."

The scientists say the imaging technique will help with the study of graphene devices, which have the potential to advance wireless communication and electronic displays.

More from Science Space & Robots

  • iRonCub3 Takes First Step Toward Humanoid Robot Flight


  • Bathynomus Vaderi, A Huge Sea Bug


  • Swiss-Italian Researchers Develop Edible RoboCake


  • Scientists Use CT Scans to Examine Giant Hailstones


  • LG Display Creates Stretchable Display, Expands up to 50%


    • Latest Tech Products

  • Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip

  • Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro