Gerd Binnig The Nobel Prize in Physics

autobiography and work

The scanning tunneling microscope - nobel lecture
work

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is widely used in both industrial and fundamental research to obtain atomic-scale images of metal surfaces. It provides a three-dimensional profile of the surface which is very useful for characterizing surface roughness, observing surface defects, and determining the size and conformation of molecules and aggregates on the surface. Examples of advanced research using the STM are provided by current studies in the Electron Physics Group at NIST and at the IBM Laboratories. Several other recently developed scanning microscopies also use the scanning technology developed for the STM.

The electron cloud associated with metal atoms at a surface extends a very small distance above the surface. When a very sharp tip--in practice, a needle which has been treated so that a single atom projects from its end--is brought sufficiently close to such a surface, there is a strong interaction between the electron cloud on the surface and that of the tip atom, and an electric tunneling current flows when a small voltage is applied. At a separation of a few atomic diameters, the tunneling current rapidly increases as the distance between the tip and the surface decreases. This rapid change of tunneling current with distance results in atomic resolution if the tip is scanned over the surface to produce an image.

Russell D. Young, of the National Bureau of Standards, was the first person to combine the detection of this tunneling current with a scanning device in order to obtain information about the nature of metal surfaces. The instrument which he developed between 1965 and 1971, the Topografiner, altered the separation between the tip and the surface (z) so that, at constant voltage, the tunneling current (or, at constant current, the tunneling voltage) remained constant as the tip was scanned over the surface. The x, y, and z coordinates of the tip were recorded. (For details of the design and operation of the Topografiner, see the references given in the Bibliography.) The same principle was later used in the scanning tunneling microscope. The remaining barrier to the development of that instrument was the need for more adequate vibration isolation, in order to permit stable positioning of the tip above the surface. This difficult problem in mechanical design was surmounted through the work of Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer, IBM Research Laboratory, Zurich, Switzerland, who in 1986 shared in the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of atomic resolution in scanning tunneling microscopy. In their announcement of the award, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized the pioneering studies of Russell Young.
I was born in Frankfurt, W. Germany, on 7.20., '47 as the first of two sons. My childhood was very much influenced by the Second World War, which had only just ended. We children had great fun playing among the ruins of the demolished buildings, but naturally were too young to realize that much more than just buildings had been destroyed. Until the age of 31, I lived partly in Frankfurt and partly in Offenbach, a nearby city. I attended school in both cities, and it was in Frankfurt that I started to study physics. Already as a child about 10 years of age, I had decided to become a physicist without actually knowing what it involved. While studying physics, I started to wonder whether I had really made the right choice. Especially theoretical physics seemed so technical, so relatively unphilosophical and unimaginative. In those years, I concentrated more on playing music with friends in a beat-band rather than on physics. My mother had introduced me to classical music very early in life, and I believe this played an important role in my subsequent development. Unfortunately, I started playing the violin rather late, at the age of 15 only, but thoroughly enjoyed being a member of our school orchestra. My brother was responsible for my transition from classics to beat by his perpetually immersing me with the sounds of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, until I finally really liked that kind of music, and even started composing songs and playing in various beat-bands. In this way, I first learned how difficult teamwork can be, how much fun it is to be creative, and how unpredictable the reaction of an audience can be.

My education in physics gained some significance when I began my diploma work in Prof. Dr. W. Martienssen's group, under Dr. E. Hoenig's guidance. I realized that actually doing physics is much more enjoyable than just learning it. Maybe 'doing it' is the right way of learning, at least as far as I am concerned.

I have always been a great admirer of Prof. Martienssen, especially of his ability to grasp and state the essence of the scientific context of a problem. Dr. Hoenig introduced me to experimenting, and exhibited great patience when I asked him very stupid questions in trying to catch up on what I had missed over all the previous years.

In 1969, Lore Wagler became my wife. We had both been studying for quite a long time - Lore is now a psychologist - so only recently did we decide to have children: a daughter born in Switzerland in 1984, and a son born in California in 1986. This was the absolute highlight and most wonderful experience of my whole life. However, fatherhood is not without its sacrifice. For the time being, nearly all my hobbies, like music (singing, playing the guitar and the violin), and sports (soccer, tennis, skiing, sailing and playing golf) have had to take a back seat.

It was in 1978 that Lore - my private psychotherapist - convinced me to accept an offer from the IBM Z?rich Research Laboratory to join a physics group. This turned out to be an extremely important decision, as it was here I met Heinrich Rohrer. His way of viewing physics, combined with his humanity and sense of humor, fully restored my somewhat lost curiosity in physics. My years at Ruschlikon, and in IBM Research in general, have been very exciting, not only because of the development of the STM, but also because of the stimulating and pleasant atmosphere created by the people working there, and by those responsible. Working together in a team with Heinrich Rohrer, Christoph Gerber and Edmund Weibel was an extraordinarily delightful experience, and one for which I shall be eternally grateful. It is also extremely gratifying that our work was recognized far afield. We were first awarded the German Physics Prize, the Otto Klung Prize, the Hewlett Packard Prize, the King Faisal Prize, and now the ultimate crown, the Nobel Prize for Physics. Life certainly does not become easier for a scientist once his work has exceeded a certain significance. But while prizes do add some complications, I must admit they also have their compensations! (added in 1991:) In 1990 I joined the Supervisory Board of the Daimler Benz Holding and presently I am involved in a few political activities.

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