IBM probe detects an atom's charge

The new technology could help with a variety of research areas, IBM argues: for looking into molecular electronics for nanocomputing devices, the catalysis of chemical reactions, and the inner workings of solar cells as they convert light energy into electrical energy.

"Mapping the charge distribution on the atomic scale might deliver insight into fundamental processes in these fields," said IBM researcher Leo Gross, shown with the microscope at IBM's Zurich Labs.

It's hard to precisely study individual atoms — the warmer the temperature, the more they jiggle. To reach the new sensitivity level, the researchers had to chill their experimental apparatus to 5 kelvin, or minus 451 Fahrenheit.