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Direct Observation Of Chemical Reactions

Posted by timothy on from the look-very-very-closely dept.

Mouth of Sauron writes "I saw on C|net that researchers with IBM have devised a way to directly observe chemical reactions as they occur in a liquid with an electron microscope. Frances Ross of IBM was awarded the Burton Medal by the Microscopy Society of America. Researchers say this could lead to a better understanding of chemical reactions and could have impact far beyond the computer industry."

3 of 29 comments (clear)

  1. quantum interfearence by JDizzy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Would the use of electron bombardment cause the classical quantum conundrum where direct observation of particles affects their quantum state, and I suppose their non-quantum existance? I'm actually suprised this hasn't happened already. Electron microscopes normally have to look at very still stuff, and a chemical recation isn't still by any measure. But photographing moving stuff would seem to be the next logical step (still pictures, motion pictures). I'd like to see some microscopic movies of fire (combustion) in action! ;)

    --
    It isn't a lie if you belive it.
  2. beyond? by Transcendent · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Researchers say this could lead to a better understanding of chemical reactions and could have impact far beyond the computer industry."

    Since when did all science work in the favor of just the computer industry? You make it sound like we apply all new knowledge and then worry about the rest afterward. I would think that the computer industry would be one of the last to benefit. FIRST you would go through cleaner chemical processing, better-made biodegradable materials, more advanced propulsion systems (more efficient, really), better food processing, stronger materials.... and then maybe someone will apply this to semiconductors.

    The most obvious applications do not envolve computers... I hope everyone else here has a more open mind.

  3. silicon nitride? by js7a · · Score: 3, Interesting
    ...transmission microscopes--which shoot electrons through micron-thin samples of materials and then form an image from data about the resulting paths of the electrons--depend on placing the sample in a strong vacuum. That's fine for observing reactions between solids and gases, but it doesn't work for reactions with or inside liquids.

    "In ordinary circumstances, the liquid would just boil away," Ross said.

    Biological samples viewed under a transmission electron microscope have to be initially dehydrated, which can change their shape.

    To get around that problem, IBM devised a cell chamber that captures a layer of liquid and the elements to be studied between two silicon nitride membranes.

    "You can think of the cell as an extremely sophisticated (microscope) slide," she said.

    How come a silicon nitride membrane strong enough to hold a liquid away from a vacuum doesn't diffract or deflect electrons? Is there something special about silicon nitride that makes it transparent to electrons?

    Neat trick, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to believe it without an explanation. Si3N4 has a dielectric constant of 7.5; what gives?