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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."

5 of 29 comments (clear)

  1. They could already do this in dry environs by Elwood+P+Dowd · · Score: 4, Informative

    The new advantage is that they can make 30 fps observation of chemical reactions in a liquid. Previously, they could get 30 fps in gas or solids, and they could get 3 fps in liquid, but now they can get both at high speed.

    Really interesting. I want to hear what they're learning.

    --

    There are no trails. There are no trees out here.
    1. Re:They could already do this in dry environs by Henry+V+.009 · · Score: 5, Funny

      High speed? 30 fps is the bare minimum for me. I won't even watch a chemical reaction until it's at least 60 fps. And do you know if they put the 3DMax scores into the paper?

  2. 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.
  3. Re:Priorities by Smidge204 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, if you bothered to RTFA, it talks specifically about how the process was used to study interactions with copper atoms, and how they are going to apply it to improving chip manufacturing.

    So yeah, I guess they did consider that this is going to impact the computer industry. :P
    =Smidge=

  4. 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.