The First X-ray of a Single Atom
Scientific discoveries of the atom have certainly been a journey. What was believed to be the smallest possible division of matter until the discovery of the electron in 1897, then the proton in 1909, and finally the neutron in 1932 — is now the center of yet another revolutionary event. Today, scientists have excitingly taken the first-ever X-ray of just one atom!
From Ohio University, Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Illinois-Chicago, and others, a team of scientists have taken the world’s first x-ray of a single atom. This discovery will soon revolutionize the advancements of medicine and technology thanks to this group led by Ohio University professor of physics and Argonne National Laboratory scientist, Saw Wai Hla!
How did they do it?
A detailed scientific journal published in Nature on May 31st, 2023, describes how the team used a purpose-built synchrotron X-ray instrument to accomplish the task. As a demonstration, the team used an iron and terbium atom, both of which were inserted in respective molecular hosts. In order for the technology to identify X-ray signals of one atom, the team added conventional detectors in X-rays with a specific detector made from a sharp metal tip. This metal tip was placed extremely close to the sample to collect X-ray excited electrons. This method used is called synchrotron X-ray scanning tunnelling microscopy (SX-STM). X-ray spectroscopy used in SX-STM is prompted by the photo absorption of electrons of the core level, including elemental fingerprints. And according to Hla, these fingerprints are unique and can be useful in identifying the specific elemental type of the samples.
“[U]sing X-rays to detect and characterize individual atoms could revolutionize research and give birth to new technologies in areas such as quantum information and the detection of trace elements in environmental and medical research, to name a few. This achievement also opens the road for advanced materials science instrumentation,” says Hla.
Why did they do it?
Hla’s study is focused on nano and quantum sciences, specifically in trying to understand the chemicals and physical properties of an individual atom. The team wanted to use this technology and procedure in order to analyze the environmental effect of a single rare-earth atom.
“By comparing the chemical states of an iron atom and a terbium atom inside respective molecular hosts, we find that the terbium atom, a rare-earth metal, is rather isolated and does not change its chemical state while the iron atom strongly interacts with its surrounding,” says Hla.
Their choice of investigating rare-earth materials is due to their importance in the world. From cell phones, computers to televisions, this new discovery is revolutionary for the tech field. With this new discovery, scientists can now not only identify the type of element but also its chemical and physical state to easier change the atoms inside different material hosts to meet the changing environment.
According to a statement from Hla, this new discovery and use of X-ray technology will man a huge impact on environmental and medical sciences, like taking part in creating a medical cure for a dangerous condition. Overall, being it a long-time goal of scientists from all over the world to take an X-ray of one singular atom, today’s accomplishment is both revolutionary for science today and in the future. To continue, Hla and his team will continue to use the X-rays to look at the properties of other sample atoms — analyzing their possible revolutionary use.
About the Author:
Jenny Pham is a grade 12 student based in the small but large city of Mississauga, Ontario. She is currently working as a Math & English tutor, a volunteer with Peel Health at a long-term care center, a passionate MEDLIFE chapter founder and President, and an amateur writer looking to combine her passions for medicine and writing. Like many others around her, she’s a second-generation immigrant working towards a career in medicine and education, looking to continue advocating for underprivileged communities as a physician, through research, and education. You can connect with her on LinkedIn!
