Quantum tunneling microscopy

Quantum tunneling microscopy is a technique that uses a sharp metal tip very close to a surface to study structures at the atomic level. When the tip is near the surface, electrons can "tunnel" through the tiny space due to quantum mechanics, creating a measurable current. This current depends on how close the tip is to the surface features, allowing scientists to map atomic arrangements with incredible precision. In essence, it leverages the strange laws of quantum physics to visualize individual atoms and surfaces that are too small for conventional microscopes.