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Scientists have discovered how to measure the force needed to move individual atoms on a surface - information that can lead to advances in nanotechnology.
Researchers at IBM and the University of Regensburg in Germany, who worked together on the finding, say it provides important information for designing atomic-scale devices such as computer chips and miniaturised storage devices.
The ability to control atoms and move them around on a surface was first discovered by an IBM researcher in 1989.
However, the exact force needed to move specific atoms, which is critical to the construction of microscopic structures, was previously unknown.
Using this new data, scientists indicate they can develop a deeper understanding of the atomic-scale processes and therefore improve nanotechnology.
