X-RAY IMAGING OF A SINGLE ATOM

 

Latest Context

By detecting an element using X-ray imaging of a single atom, scientists have accomplished a stunning milestone.

• Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen made the discovery of X-rays in 1895, and they now play a crucial role in a number of industries, including security and health.
• Previously, an attogram (which is approximately 10,000 atoms or more) was the smallest amount of sample that could be X-rayed. One atom can now be X-rayed, which has long been a goal of scientists' research.

New technique for X-raying a single atom

Technique:

• For the first time, researchers have utilised a technique known as synchrotron X-ray scanning tunnelling microscopy (SX-STM) to detect the X-ray signature of a single atom.
• SX-STM is a technique that combines synchrotron X-rays, which are high-energy X-rays created when electrons are accelerated around a circular track, with scanning tunnelling microscopy, which interacts with a sample's electrons at extremely close ranges using a sharp metal tip.
• The sample is excited by synchrotron X-rays, and the metal tip gathers the photoelectrons the excited atom emits to identify and determine its chemical state.

Materials Science:

• The study of solid materials' properties and how their composition and structure affect those properties is known as materials science.

Significance for Material Science:

• It sheds light on the atomic-scale interactions and characteristics of materials.
• Allows for a detailed knowledge of molecular behaviours and structures.
• Aids in the creation of innovative materials and devices.
• Increases understanding of quantum events, biomolecular interactions, and catalytic activity.

What is X-ray?

• It is an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength, a higher frequency, and a higher energy than visible light.
• It may provide images of interior structure and can pass through most objects, including the human body.
• Produced by excitation of atoms or acceleration or deceleration of charged particles.
• Widely used in applications such as science, medicine, industry, and security.
• Used to scan luggage, identify materials, diagnose diseases, find bone fractures etc.

 

 

Prelims

Q1. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct? (2020)

1.VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

2.VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.

3.VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.

4.VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (c)

Q2. Assertion (A): Radio waves bend in a magnetic field.

Reason (R): Radio waves are electromagnetic in nature. (2008)

Examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below:

(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A is false but R is true

Ans: (A)

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